Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $18.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in New Orleans, LA runs $18.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,567 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, the projected hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $18.08, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This pay scale reflects the economic conditions in the region and illustrates the earning potential of part-time and per-diem professionals in various settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. With a salary range from $15.11 for entry-level positions to $23.75 for experienced technicians, the data shows the variability across the workforce. This information is rooted in official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and highlights the financial aspects critical for anyone considering a career in this field in LA.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.11 | $120.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.99 | $135.88 |
| Median (P50) | $18.08 | $144.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.89 | $159.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.75 | $189.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $18.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,699. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $723.31 | $3,134 | $37,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $433.98 | $1,881 | $22,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $289.32 | $1,254 | $15,045 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (New Orleans) | $18.08 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $37,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.74% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the Louisiana state average of $37,138.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.08/hr = $22,567/year (purchasing power: $24,371).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,612/year (purchasing power: $40,619).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Orleans grew 35.1% from $12.69/hr (2019) to $17.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.08/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
For those considering part-time work, a typical schedule of three days a week means a take-home pay that can significantly differ from a full-time salary. Earning potential as a per-diem veterinary technologist and technician can vary widely, with billing rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, especially in emergency and specialty settings. In the competitive job market of New Orleans, those with Veterinary Technician Specialist credentialing can demand even higher rates—$35 to $55 per hour in certain specialty areas. Veterinary technologists and technicians employed in corporate hospital chains often face the trade-off of lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while freelancers enjoy higher pay but without such advantages. Negotiating pay can be strategic; highlighting specialized training such as NAVTA or VTS can position you favorably within the hiring landscape. Understanding the nuances of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in New Orleans can empower candidates to make informed career choices.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Orleans in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in New Orleans?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in New Orleans paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in New Orleans?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Orleans?
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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 New Orleans. 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