Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Alexandria, LA: $17.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Alexandria, LA runs $17.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,210 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,330 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria, Louisiana, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $17.89 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03. This lower hourly pay can impact those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week in various settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even research facilities. For individuals engaged in per-diem work, the hourly earnings can fluctuate significantly, ranging from $14.76 for entry-level positions up to $22.29 for more experienced technicians. This official BLS data illustrates how the hourly rates of local veterinary professionals compare against a broader national context while highlighting the earning potential for varying levels of experience and commitment in the field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.76 | $118.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.09 | $120.69 |
| Median (P50) | $17.89 | $143.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.08 | $144.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.29 | $178.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $17.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,217 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,471. With a cost-of-living index of 85.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $715.71 | $3,101 | $37,217 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $429.43 | $1,861 | $22,330 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $286.28 | $1,241 | $14,887 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Alexandria) | $17.89 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Alexandria, LA earn a median of $37,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.56% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% above the Louisiana state average of $37,136.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.89/hr = $22,330/year (purchasing power: $26,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,217/year (purchasing power: $43,434).
CoL index: 85.686 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria grew 37.9% from $12.30/hr (2019) to $16.96/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Alexandria
Looking more closely at the earning potential, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working just 24 hours a week can expect annual earnings that are substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, which serves as a compelling point for those considering their work-life balance versus financial needs. Per-diem positions present an enticing alternative; these roles often bill $25-$40/hr, with specialized VTS-credentialed workers reaching $35-$55/hr. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency care settings can demand $30-$50/hr in Alexandria due to staffing shortages. Variability in pay can also depend on the type of employer, whether a veterinary clinic, corporate hospital, or specialty referral center. Many professionals may choose job security and benefits over potentially higher hourly rates, illustrating a critical trade-off in career decisions. Negotiation for hourly rates can be crucial in this landscape, especially for those willing to leverage specialized credentials or shift availability.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Alexandria?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Alexandria?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Alexandria?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alexandria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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