Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in New Iberia, LA: $16.91 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in New Iberia, LA runs $16.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against New Iberia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,106 per year.

$35,179
Median Annual Salary
$16.91/hr
Hourly Rate
$27,560
Entry Level (P10)
$44,817
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in New Iberia, LA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
New Iberia, LA veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In New Iberia, Louisiana, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $16.91. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03, highlighting a notable wage gap within the profession. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this typically translates to limited earnings in comparison to full-time counterparts, making it essential to evaluate the work environments. Common settings include general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, where hourly rates range from $13.25 at entry-level positions to a high of $21.54 for experienced professionals. These figures offer critical insight into hourly earnings and demonstrate the potential for growth within the field, despite the lower rates seen in New Iberia compared to the national average.

About the New Iberia Market

Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$13.25$106.01
Lower Range (P25)$14.05$112.42
Median (P50)$16.91$135.29
Upper Range (P75)$20.51$164.07
Top Earners (P90)$21.54$172.34

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Iberia

Based on $16.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in New Iberia earning $16.91/hr would make approximately $20,294 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $35,176 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$20,294Reduced (32 hr/wk)$27,059Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$35,176

At $16.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Iberia, LA can expect to earn approximately $35,176 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,294. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Iberia.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$135.29
per 8hr shift
$676.47
per week
$2,931
per month
$35,176
per year

Schedule Comparison in New Iberia

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$676.47$2,931$35,176
Part-Time (24 hrs)$405.88$1,759$21,106
Per Diem (16 hrs)$270.59$1,173$14,070

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (New Iberia)$16.91
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in New Iberia ($35,179) with Louisiana average ($37,148) and the US national median ($49,986).New Iberia$35,179Louisiana Avg$37,148-5.30%US National$49,986-29.62%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in New Iberia, LA earn a median of $35,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.62% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $37,148.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $16.91/hr = $21,106/year (purchasing power: $23,373).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,176/year (purchasing power: $38,955).

CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$11.95/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$16.03/hr

2026 Current Est.

$16.91/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in New Iberia (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia. Baseline $11.95/hr in 2025, projected to $17.84/hr by 2027.$11$13$15$17$192019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$11.95$12.27$12.47$12.94$14.80$13.16$16.03$16.91$17.84
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$11.95/hrActual
2020$12.27/hrActual
2021$12.47/hrActual
2022$12.94/hrActual
2023$14.80/hrActual
2024$13.16/hrActual
2025$16.03/hrActual
2026(current)$16.91/hrEstimated
2027$17.84/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia grew 34.1% from $11.95/hr (2019) to $16.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.84/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Iberia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 New Iberia

Evaluating the part-time earning potential for a veterinary technologist and technician indicates that taking on a 24-hour workweek can lead to an annual income considerably lower than that of a full-time position. Many per-diem veterinary technologists bill between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with specialty certification, such as VTS, can command rates of $35 to $55 hourly, especially when working in urgent or specialized care settings. Additionally, the hourly pay structure can vary significantly based on employer types. General practice clinics in New Iberia may offer lower rates compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialized hospitals, including emergency and critical care facilities. While some veterinary technologists and technicians may accept lower wages for the added benefit of health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s crucial to consider the specific demands of New Iberia's market conditions, especially given the urgent need for qualified professionals amid a strained veterinary workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia is $16.91/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $13.25 at entry level (10th percentile) to $21.54 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 29.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in New Iberia?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in New Iberia earns approximately $1,759/month, or $21,106/year at the median hourly rate of $16.91. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia are paid hourly at a median rate of $16.91/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $35,176/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in New Iberia?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in New Iberia earns approximately $35,176/year at the median hourly rate of $16.91. This is 29.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $44,810/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Iberia?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $21.54/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 New Iberia. 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 New Iberia is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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