Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Baton Rouge, LA: $18.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Baton Rouge, LA runs $18.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,727 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Baton Rouge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,633 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Baton Rouge, LA earn a median hourly rate of $18.14, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This disparity is vital for individuals considering part-time or per-diem positions, as roles in various settings—including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and university clinics—offer flexible schedules that can accommodate a 3-day workweek. The hourly pay in this profession varies widely, ranging from $14.61 for entry-level positions to $24.57 for experienced practitioners, providing opportunities for both beginners and those with specialized skills to thrive in this critical field. The data stems from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS statistics.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.61 | $116.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.38 | $139.01 |
| Median (P50) | $18.14 | $145.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.14 | $185.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.57 | $196.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baton Rouge
Based on $18.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.14/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baton Rouge, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,722 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,763. With a cost-of-living index of 90.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baton Rouge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baton Rouge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $725.42 | $3,143 | $37,722 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $435.25 | $1,886 | $22,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.17 | $1,257 | $15,089 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Baton Rouge) | $18.14 |
| 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 Baton Rouge, LA earn a median of $37,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.52% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% above the Louisiana state average of $37,133.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.14/hr = $22,633/year (purchasing power: $24,932).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,722/year (purchasing power: $41,553).
CoL index: 90.78 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Baton Rouge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Baton Rouge grew 19.6% from $14.37/hr (2019) to $17.19/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.13/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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
As veterinary technologists and technicians in Baton Rouge contemplate their earning potential, part-time work presents both challenges and opportunities. A technician working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, might take home around $22,666 annually, considerably less than a full-time employee. For those opting for per-diem roles, compensation can range widely, as these workers can often bill between $25 and $40 per hour depending on their expertise and the urgency of the work required. Specialized technicians, especially those with VTS credentials, can command impressive rates around $35 to $55 per hour, indicating that specialization and certification can markedly influence income. Additionally, hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, from general veterinary clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals, each presenting unique trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits. In negotiations, it’s crucial to consider what personal benefits are desired, as some may prefer lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security. Understanding these factors can provide a clearer picture of the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Baton Rouge and help shape career decisions.
More salary data for Baton Rouge, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Baton Rouge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Baton Rouge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Baton Rouge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Baton Rouge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Baton Rouge?
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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 Baton Rouge. 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