Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Metairie, LA: $18.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Metairie, LA runs $18.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Metairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,659 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Metairie, Louisiana, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $18.16 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03 per hour. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into earnings of around $1,000 per week before taxes. This can be an appealing choice for individuals seeking flexibility, particularly in various settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even university teaching hospitals. The hourly range varies between $12.85 for entry-level positions and up to $25.28 for experienced technicians at the top of their field. With a projected salary range from $26,733 at the 10th percentile to $52,567 at the 90th, it is evident that while entry-level roles may be modestly compensated, there is a potential for higher earnings with experience and specialization in Metairie, especially in high-demand areas.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.85 | $102.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.30 | $122.38 |
| Median (P50) | $18.16 | $145.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.08 | $176.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.28 | $202.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Metairie
Based on $18.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.16/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Metairie, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,788. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Metairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Metairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $726.26 | $3,147 | $37,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $435.76 | $1,888 | $22,659 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.50 | $1,259 | $15,106 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Metairie) | $18.16 |
| 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 Metairie, LA earn a median of $37,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.46% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% above the Louisiana state average of $37,127.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.16/hr = $22,659/year (purchasing power: $25,093).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,766/year (purchasing power: $41,822).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Metairie grew 34.1% from $12.83/hr (2019) to $17.21/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.16/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 Metairie 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 Metairie
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Metairie can take home a significant portion of their earnings despite working fewer hours compared to full-time counterparts. Those committing to 24 hours a week might expect an annual income around $27,117, which is enticing for those balancing multiple responsibilities. Per diem positions present an even more lucrative route for many in the field. Billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, these roles often pay higher than standard hourly work, especially for credentialed specialty technicians like those with VTS certification. Weekends and overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals often come with higher hourly rates, sometimes reaching $30 to $50. Moreover, hourly wages can differ based on employment settings; general practice clinics tend to offer lower rates compared to specialty hospitals or research facilities. While some technicians may accept lower hourly rates for job security and benefits, those seeking to maximize earnings should consider negotiating pay based on their technical skills and flexibility in working hours.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Metairie in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Metairie?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Metairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Metairie?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Metairie?
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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 Metairie. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Metairie is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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