Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $17.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hammond, LA runs $17.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,398 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.5, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,843 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hammond, Louisiana, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $17.50, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This rate impacts various working arrangements within the profession. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates to a weekly income of approximately $280. Per-diem technology positions, which are critical in areas like emergency clinics or specialized animal hospitals, often offer more competitive wages. In Hammond, hourly pay ranges from $12.41 for entry-level positions to $20.31 for experienced professionals, according to official BLS data. This data indicates that Hammond operates within a pay structure below the national average while reflecting local economic conditions and workforce dynamics.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.41 | $99.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.01 | $120.10 |
| Median (P50) | $17.50 | $140.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.30 | $146.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.31 | $162.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $17.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.50/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $36,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,003. With a cost-of-living index of 84.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $700.10 | $3,034 | $36,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $420.06 | $1,820 | $21,843 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $280.04 | $1,214 | $14,562 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hammond) | $17.50 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $36,398 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.18% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Louisiana state average of $37,140.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.50/hr = $21,843/year (purchasing power: $25,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,405/year (purchasing power: $43,103).
CoL index: 84.46 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hammond grew 34.1% from $12.37/hr (2019) to $16.59/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.47/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Examining the earning potential further reveals nuances for those in part-time, per-diem, and specialty credentials. A veterinary technologist or technician working a typical 24-hour weekly schedule can expect to take home about $14,560 annually, in stark contrast to the full-time equivalent. Per-diem opportunities present another layer of earning potential, with rates typically between $25 and $40 per hour, and even higher for those holding VTS specialties, which can command $35 to $55 per hour. Moreover, working overnight or weekend shifts for emergency cover can yield increased pay rates, often between $30 and $50 per hour in understaffed markets. Pay scales also differ based on employer types, as general practice clinics tend to offer lower salaries, while specialty hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities may provide more competitive compensation. However, some may choose jobs with lower hourly rates due to benefits like health insurance, which can affect overall compensation. Negotiating hourly pay in Hammond can be nuanced; knowing the local rates and actively engaging with employers about both pay and benefits can yield better outcomes for veterinary professionals.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hammond in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hammond?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hammond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hammond?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hammond?
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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 Hammond. 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, 2-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