Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Biloxi, MS: $29,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,669 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,620 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,090) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians in Biloxi, MS, for 2026 show a clear picture for new graduates entering this field. With a starting entry-level figure at $29,669, there is a noticeable gap between this amount and the city’s median annual salary of $39,090. For new grads, the potential for growth is evident; as they build experience and credentials, they can see their wages rise to $31,778 at the 25th percentile, and approach the median within just a few years. This growth trajectory suggests that while initial pay may be modest, there is a favorable market dynamic in Biloxi, making it a viable location for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in veterinary technology.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Biloxi
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Biloxi, MS typically start between $29,669 and $31,778 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,392 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,090 — 21.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 53.93% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($29,669/year) in Biloxi. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $29,669 to $31,778, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Biloxi is $20,392 ( 68.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,669, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,061.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,318
2025 BLS Actual
$28,122
2026 Current Est.
$29,669
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,097 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,838 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $17,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,300 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,318 in 2019 to $28,122 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,300. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Biloxi
When considering opportunities for new veterinary technologists and technicians in Biloxi, various employers present distinct pathways. General practice clinics frequently hire new graduates, providing essential hands-on experience, while corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often offer structured mentorship programs, which may include sign-on bonuses. Specialty hospitals typically prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, implying that new hires should actively pursue continuing education and advanced credentials to enhance their qualifications. Completing an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE exam are crucial for entering the field successfully, while pursuing VTS specialty credentialing may lead to compensation of $30-$45+/hr in the long term. Given the acute workforce shortage in this sector, those focusing on career development can reasonably expect a pay increase in the early years, particularly if they engage in specialized training and exceed the entry-level pay rates offered in Biloxi.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Biloxi?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Biloxi?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Mississippi?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov