Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Horn Lake, MS: $20.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Horn Lake, MS runs $20.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Horn Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,174 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Horn Lake, Mississippi, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $20.17, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03. This wage reflects the unique economic conditions and cost of living in the region. For part-time workers, who typically might have a schedule of three days a week, this translates to a modest income that can affect their overall financial stability. The hourly range for these professionals in Horn Lake spans from $15.23 at the lower end (entry-level positions) to $26.96 for those at the top of their field. It's essential for individuals exploring careers in veterinary technology to recognize that these figures stem from annual salary data, which provides a framework for understanding potential earnings across various work environments, including general practice facilities and specialty clinics.
About the Horn Lake 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) | $15.23 | $121.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.36 | $130.90 |
| Median (P50) | $20.17 | $161.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.64 | $189.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.96 | $215.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Horn Lake
Based on $20.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Horn Lake, MS can expect to earn approximately $41,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,206. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Horn Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Horn Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $806.86 | $3,496 | $41,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.12 | $2,098 | $25,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.75 | $1,399 | $16,783 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Horn Lake) | $20.17 |
| 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 Horn Lake, MS earn a median of $41,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.04% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,823.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.17/hr = $25,174/year (purchasing power: $29,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,957/year (purchasing power: $48,958).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Horn Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Horn Lake grew 34.1% from $14.25/hr (2019) to $19.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.28/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 Horn Lake 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 Horn Lake
When considering part-time or per-diem work, the financial implications change significantly. For a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week, the annual earnings would be considerably less than that of a full-time position, which could limit their ability to access healthcare benefits or retirement plans. Per-diem roles often present a more lucrative pathway; these professionals may charge anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized positions yielding as much as $55 for VTS-certified technicians or for roles covering in-demand overnight shifts. Employers in Horn Lake, such as corporate chain hospitals and referral specialty clinics, vary widely in terms of hourly pay, often leading individuals to make trade-offs between higher pay and health benefits. As negotiations for hourly wages become critical, understanding the market rates and being prepared to advocate for one's worth can empower veterinary technologists and technicians striving for better pay within the profession.
More salary data for Horn Lake, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Horn Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Horn Lake?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Horn Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Horn Lake?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Horn Lake?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Horn Lake. 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 Horn Lake 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