Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Zachary, LA: $16.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Zachary, LA runs $16.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,538 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Zachary's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,724 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zachary, Louisiana, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $16.61, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This disparity suggests that local professionals may face limitations in their earning potential compared to their counterparts across the country. For those working part-time, such as in general practice clinics or specialty hospitals, the hourly pay translates into variable annual income based on how many days are worked each week. With an hourly range from $13.77 at entry-level positions to about $21.43 for more experienced technicians, opportunities exist across various settings, including veterinary treatment areas, zoo medical units, and pharmaceutical research facilities. It's important to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the wider economic landscape for veterinary professionals in Zachary.
About the Zachary 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) | $13.77 | $110.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.27 | $114.19 |
| Median (P50) | $16.61 | $132.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.12 | $152.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.43 | $171.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Zachary
Based on $16.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Zachary, LA can expect to earn approximately $34,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,927. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Zachary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Zachary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $664.23 | $2,878 | $34,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $398.54 | $1,727 | $20,724 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $265.69 | $1,151 | $13,816 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Zachary) | $16.61 |
| 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 Zachary, LA earn a median of $34,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.90% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the Louisiana state average of $37,137.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.61/hr = $20,724/year (purchasing power: $22,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,540/year (purchasing power: $38,250).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Zachary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Zachary grew 34.1% from $11.73/hr (2019) to $15.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.52/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 Zachary 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 Zachary
Focusing on the potential earnings for those working part-time or as per-diem staff shows some interesting dynamics in the veterinary field. A veterinary technologist working three days a week may earn approximately $25,968 annually, highlighting a stark contrast when compared to full-time earnings. In Zachary, per-diem veterinary technologists often command rates ranging from $25-$40 per hour, while specialized technicians with VTS credentials can reach $35-$55 hourly, especially in high-demand weekend or overnight roles. Employers such as corporate veterinary chains and specialty hospitals may offer varied pay scales influenced by the local market and practitioner demand. While some may choose lower hourly pay for the benefits that come with permanent positions, others may pursue higher hourly rates with more flexible, per-diem roles. Effective negotiation strategies, such as showcasing specialized certifications, can further enhance earning opportunities in Zachary's veterinary field.
More salary data for Zachary, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Zachary in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Zachary?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Zachary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Zachary?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Zachary?
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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 Zachary. 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 Zachary 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