Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $19.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Laurel, MS runs $19.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,618 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,765 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, veterinary technologists and technicians command a median hourly pay of $19.04, a figure that reflects a significant gap compared to the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This differential illustrates both the local economic landscape and the broader trends impacting the profession. The hourly rate offers flexibility for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, allowing them to balance work with other responsibilities. The hourly range in Laurel spans from $15.64 for entry-level positions to $23.73 for those at the top end of their careers. Various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research labs, all contribute to this pay scale and version of employment opportunities.
About the Laurel 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) | $15.64 | $125.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.25 | $129.98 |
| Median (P50) | $19.04 | $152.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.51 | $180.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.73 | $189.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $19.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $39,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,851. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $761.71 | $3,301 | $39,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $457.03 | $1,980 | $23,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.68 | $1,320 | $15,844 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Laurel) | $19.04 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $39,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $42,831.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.04/hr = $23,765/year (purchasing power: $27,731).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,609/year (purchasing power: $46,218).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel grew 34.1% from $13.46/hr (2019) to $18.05/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.09/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
When considering part-time employment, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week in Laurel may earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, which is an important factor for those weighing their options. There’s considerable opportunity in per-diem work as well, where billing rates can range from $25-$40 per hour for general roles, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians often earn between $35 and $55 per hour. This disparity extends to employers, with corporate chain hospitals typically offering more stability and benefits compared to the higher hourly rates available in specialty and emergency care settings. Such considerations create a pay dynamic where certain technicians may prefer lower hourly wages for the security of health benefits, while others may prioritize higher take-home pay without perks. Negotiating hourly rates in Laurel can be strategic; knowing the going rate for specialty skills, for instance, can empower technicians during discussions with prospective employers.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Laurel?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Laurel?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Laurel?
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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