Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Shreveport, LA: $17.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Shreveport, LA runs $17.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,136 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Shreveport's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.8, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,278 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Shreveport, Louisiana, the expected hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians is $17.85, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy significantly impacts those looking for work in typical veterinary settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, university teaching hospitals, zoos, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For professionals working part-time, such as those committed to just three days a week, this rate translates to $713.70 weekly (based on a 40-hour bifurcated workweek), offering a modest income. Entry-level workers might earn around $12.51 hourly, while top earners in this profession can reach up to $23.60 hourly, reflecting the range of skills and experiences found in the local job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data suggests that for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Shreveport, understanding hourly pay dynamics can be vital to managing their careers.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.51 | $100.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.38 | $123.06 |
| Median (P50) | $17.85 | $142.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.67 | $149.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.60 | $188.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shreveport
Based on $17.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.85/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shreveport, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,129 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,421. With a cost-of-living index of 84.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shreveport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shreveport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $714.02 | $3,094 | $37,129 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $428.41 | $1,856 | $22,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $285.61 | $1,238 | $14,852 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Shreveport) | $17.85 |
| 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 Shreveport, LA earn a median of $37,136 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.71% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.85/hr = $22,278/year (purchasing power: $26,281).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,129/year (purchasing power: $43,802).
CoL index: 84.766 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shreveport grew 41.8% from $11.93/hr (2019) to $16.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.83/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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport
For those contemplating part-time roles, working as a veterinary technologist and technician for three days a week can yield an annual take-home pay significantly less than that of full-time employees. Seasonal or per-diem positions often offer greater hourly flexibility, with shifts typically billed at rates between $25-$40 for general duties, escalating to $35-$55 for VTS-credentialed specialty technicians, especially during high-demand periods like weekends and emergencies. Facilities across Shreveport, including corporate chain hospitals and specialized veterinary clinics, boast varied compensation based on services offered and patient care levels. While some employers provide health insurance and other benefits at lower hourly rates, others compensate better with no benefits, appealing to those who may prioritize salary over stability. Negotiating pay can be especially advantageous in Shreveport, where understanding local job conditions and market dynamics can help technicians advocate effectively for competitive wages.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shreveport in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Shreveport?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Shreveport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Shreveport?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Shreveport?
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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 Shreveport. 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