Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Slidell, LA: $17.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Slidell, LA runs $17.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Slidell's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Slidell, Louisiana, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $17.34, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to approximately $22,159 annually, which may suit those balancing other commitments or seeking flexible schedules. The hourly pay range in Slidell spans from $12.87 for entry-level positions to $21.87 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the diversity in workplace settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and pharmaceutical research facilities. These figures are estimated based on projected annual data, offering insights into the financial realities facing those in the field in 2026.
About the Slidell 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) | $12.87 | $102.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.94 | $119.51 |
| Median (P50) | $17.34 | $138.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.52 | $164.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.87 | $174.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Slidell
Based on $17.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.34/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Slidell, LA can expect to earn approximately $36,076 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,813. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Slidell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Slidell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $693.77 | $3,006 | $36,076 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $416.26 | $1,804 | $21,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $277.51 | $1,203 | $14,430 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Slidell) | $17.34 |
| 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 Slidell, LA earn a median of $36,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.82% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Louisiana state average of $37,117.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.34/hr = $21,646/year (purchasing power: $23,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,076/year (purchasing power: $39,951).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Slidell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Slidell grew 34.1% from $12.26/hr (2019) to $16.44/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.30/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 Slidell 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 Slidell
When considering part-time or per-diem work, the financial landscape can shift dramatically for veterinary technologists and technicians in Slidell. Many per-diem professionals can command hourly rates between $25 and $40, with specialty-credentialed technicians earning even more, often in the range of $35 to $55. Weekend or overnight emergency work frequently pays $30 to $50 per hour, particularly in understaffed markets. However, there is often a trade-off between higher pay and benefits, as those accepting lower hourly rates may enjoy health insurance and paid time off. Different employer types significantly influence compensation; for instance, corporate chain hospitals might offer more stable pay compared to private practices or research facilities. For those considering negotiating their hourly pay, showcasing any specialty credentials like VTS can enhance bargaining positions, particularly in a market where demand for qualified technicians remains high due to an ongoing workforce shortage.
More salary data for Slidell, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Slidell in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Slidell?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Slidell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Slidell?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Slidell?
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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 Slidell. 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 Slidell 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