Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lake Charles, LA: $17.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lake Charles, LA runs $17.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,315 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lake Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,396 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Charles, LA, earn a median hourly rate of $17.95. This figure falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03, reflecting both local market conditions and the ongoing workforce shortage in the veterinary field. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days per week, this translates to approximately $699 per week, which can provide a reliable income but may not fully meet the needs of individuals relying solely on this position for financial support. The hourly range in Lake Charles varies widely, from entry-level positions starting at $11.79 to top earners billing up to $23.56, highlighting the potential for growth within this profession. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.79 | $94.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.31 | $122.46 |
| Median (P50) | $17.95 | $143.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.43 | $147.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.56 | $188.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Charles
Based on $17.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Charles, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,327 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,535. With a cost-of-living index of 85.85 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lake Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $717.82 | $3,111 | $37,327 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $430.69 | $1,866 | $22,396 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $287.13 | $1,244 | $14,931 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lake Charles) | $17.95 |
| 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 Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $37,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.35% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the Louisiana state average of $37,130.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.95/hr = $22,396/year (purchasing power: $26,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,327/year (purchasing power: $43,478).
CoL index: 85.852 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lake Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Charles grew 32.5% from $12.84/hr (2019) to $17.01/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.93/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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles
Considering the earning potential in Lake Charles, a part-time veterinary technologist or technician working a typical 24-hour week can bring home about $36,348 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem and locum tenens work options provide greater flexibility and higher pay rates; many per diem veterinary technologists and technicians can charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists often earning $35 to $55 per hour. Furthermore, weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed facilities may offer premium pay ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. Employers in the area, including corporate veterinary chains, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, typically offer varied pay structures and benefits, leading many professionals to weigh the trade-offs of hourly rates against health insurance and other perks. Negotiating hourly rates can be more advantageous when reminding employers of local market conditions and current shortages; being aware of salary trends across different employer types can empower veterinary technicians to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lake Charles?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Charles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lake Charles?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Charles?
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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 Lake Charles. 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