Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $31,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,639 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,104 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,967) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, fresh graduates entering the field of veterinary technology in Hattiesburg, Mississippi can expect a starting salary of approximately $31,639. This initial pay is notably below the city's median of $36,967, highlighting a potential gap that new entrants should be prepared for in their first role. Nonetheless, there is a path for salary growth, as early-career professionals typically see their earnings increase to about $32,937 within a few years, eventually reaching the city's median over time. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.50% for this occupation, Hattiesburg continues to offer a reasonable market for new veterinary technologists and technicians, particularly with rising demand in recent years due to a workforce shortage in the veterinary field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $31,639 and $32,937 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $9,601 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,967 — 26.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 50.57% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($31,639/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $31,639 to $32,937, 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 Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $9,601 ( 30.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,639, experienced hygienists can earn up to $41,240.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,910
2025 BLS Actual
$29,990
2026 Current Est.
$31,639
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $17,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,380 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 25.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,910 in 2019 to $29,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,380. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Employers in Hattiesburg that hire new vet tech graduates primarily include general practice clinics, where entry-level roles provide hands-on experience and essential skills. Larger corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl attract new graduates by offering structured mentorship programs and benefits like sign-on bonuses, while specialty hospitals generally require 1-2 years of general experience before hiring. For those looking to enhance their earning potential in Mississippi, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE national exam are critical steps. The pathway to advanced credentialing through VTS specialty certifications, in particular, is gaining traction. Realistically, new graduates may expect salary increases within their first few years as demand for skilled veterinary technicians rises, potentially positioning them for higher hourly rates of $30-$45 as they gain experience and further qualifications.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hattiesburg in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Hattiesburg?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Hattiesburg?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Hattiesburg?
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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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