Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $16.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Natchitoches, LA runs $16.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,702 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,816 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $16.68 in 2026, which significantly lags behind the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy impacts part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate three days a week, earning less than their counterparts in larger markets. Local professionals can expect to see hourly wages that range from $13.92 for entry-level positions up to $21.14 for top earners, presenting a clear divide based on experience and credentials. Areas of employment span general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even university teaching hospitals, where different settings can influence wage rates based on the complexity and demands of the role. Overall, veterinary technologists and technicians in Natchitoches navigate a unique economic landscape, as their earnings are aligned with the annual salary estimates derived from BLS data.
About the Natchitoches 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) | $13.92 | $111.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.44 | $115.54 |
| Median (P50) | $16.68 | $133.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.29 | $154.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.14 | $169.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $16.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $34,693 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,015. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $667.18 | $2,891 | $34,693 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $400.31 | $1,735 | $20,816 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $266.87 | $1,156 | $13,877 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Natchitoches) | $16.68 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $34,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $37,154.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.68/hr = $20,816/year (purchasing power: $23,052).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,693/year (purchasing power: $38,420).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Natchitoches grew 34.1% from $11.79/hr (2019) to $15.81/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.60/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
For those considering part-time work in Natchitoches, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would make around $26,364 annually, which starkly contrasts the full-time earning potential. The allure of per-diem positions is also notable. Many per diem veterinary technologists and technicians can bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty-credentialed VTS professionals can demand even higher rates, reaching $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in emergency or overnight shifts at understaffed facilities. Salary variation exists across different employer types, with corporate veterinary chains and specialty hospitals often providing more lucrative pay compared to small clinics. However, some might opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without such perks. Those engaged in the field should consider negotiating their hourly rate based on these dynamics, given the acute workforce shortage in veterinary medicine and the rising expectation for qualified technicians across Natchitoches.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Natchitoches in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Natchitoches?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Natchitoches paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Natchitoches?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Natchitoches?
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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 Natchitoches. 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 Natchitoches 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