Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $17.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ruston, LA runs $17.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,422 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the expected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in 2026 is $17.16, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This difference highlights the challenges faced by professionals in this field within the region, especially considering their scope of work in diverse environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU, and even in zoos or pharmaceutical research labs. For part-time employees working three days a week, or those taking on per-diem shifts, this hourly wage translates to varying annual earnings based on the number of hours worked. The expected hourly range runs from $13.78 for entry-level positions to as much as $21.67 for those at the top end of the pay scale, reflecting the economic realities of the local job market and the veterinary profession's evolving demands.
About the Ruston 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) | $13.78 | $110.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.41 | $115.29 |
| Median (P50) | $17.16 | $137.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.41 | $163.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.67 | $173.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $17.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.16/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $35,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,598. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $686.59 | $2,975 | $35,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $411.96 | $1,785 | $21,422 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $274.64 | $1,190 | $14,281 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ruston) | $17.16 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $35,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.56% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $37,121.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.16/hr = $21,422/year (purchasing power: $23,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,703/year (purchasing power: $39,538).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ruston grew 34.1% from $12.13/hr (2019) to $16.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.11/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
Evaluating the part-time earnings potential reveals compelling figures. For a 3-day work week totaling 24 hours, a veterinary technologist and technician could expect to take home roughly $26,304 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. Per-diem or agency professionals often see rates that can reach $25-$40 per hour, with specialty-certified technicians billing between $35-$55 for advanced procedures. Weekend and overnight shifts in underserved markets often command $30-$50 per hour, creating a significant financial incentive for those willing to work non-traditional hours. Furthermore, hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types in Ruston. While general practice clinics may offer a lower pay scale, specialty hospitals and corporate chain facilities might provide benefits which can sway pay negotiations. Hence, veterinary technologists and technicians need to consider both their hourly rate and the benefits package offered, as some may prefer higher pay with no benefits, while others may choose steadier, more secure roles with health insurance.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ruston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ruston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ruston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ruston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ruston?
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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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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