Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hernando, MS: $19.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hernando, MS runs $19.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,327 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hernando's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hernando, Mississippi, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.39 in 2026, significantly trailing the national median of $24.03 per hour. This income level suggests that many practitioners in the area may lean towards part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, which can yield a manageable work-life balance while still earning a respectable income. For those pursuing per-diem work, typical settings like general practice clinics or specialty animal hospitals might see hourly wages range significantly between $14.76 and $24.85, reflecting the experience and specific roles of technicians. The job market in Hernando offers a wide spectrum of opportunities, with entry-level positions starting on the lower end while experienced technicians can achieve higher hourly earnings, especially if they specialize or work in high-demand areas.
About the Hernando Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.76 | $118.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.52 | $132.17 |
| Median (P50) | $19.39 | $155.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.29 | $186.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.85 | $198.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hernando
Based on $19.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.39/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hernando, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,269. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hernando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hernando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $775.64 | $3,361 | $40,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $465.38 | $2,017 | $24,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $310.25 | $1,344 | $16,133 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hernando) | $19.39 |
| 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 Hernando, MS earn a median of $40,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $42,856.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.39/hr = $24,200/year (purchasing power: $28,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,333/year (purchasing power: $47,063).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hernando grew 34.1% from $13.70/hr (2019) to $18.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.46/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 Hernando 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 Hernando
When examining the financial landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hernando, part-time employment (around 24 hours weekly) might net a worker an annual income that falls considerably short of full-time earnings, influencing their lifestyle choices. In contrast, per diem workers often find themselves able to command between $25 and $40 hourly depending on their employers—non-profit veterinary services or corporate hospitals might pull rates closer to this bracket. In specialized fields, such as emergency care or veterinary technology specialists, these rates can escalate to $35-$55 per hour. Meanwhile, practitioners need to assess the balance between hourly pay rates that come with higher per-hour compensation and the stability offered by full-time roles accompanied by benefits such as health insurance. With a veterinary workforce shortage exacerbating the situation, those seeking roles in Hernando should consider negotiation strategies tailored to their specific employment context, especially when they can leverage skills that meet market demands.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hernando in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hernando?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hernando paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hernando?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hernando?
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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 Hernando. 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 Hernando 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