Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $19.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Meridian, MS runs $19.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,611 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian, MS, can expect a median hourly pay of $19.53 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy highlights regional economic factors affecting compensation within the profession. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate can provide a steady income while offering flexibility. The typical salary range spans from $15.30 for entry-level positions to $24.86 for experienced professionals, created from annual salary data but relevant for those considering either per diem or regular part-time positions. These roles might be found in a variety of settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, allowing for diverse work experiences that may impact overall job satisfaction.
About the Meridian 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) | $15.30 | $122.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.24 | $129.89 |
| Median (P50) | $19.53 | $156.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.28 | $186.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.86 | $198.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $19.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.53/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,434. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $781.12 | $3,385 | $40,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.67 | $2,031 | $24,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.45 | $1,354 | $16,247 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Meridian) | $19.53 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $40,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $42,839.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.53/hr = $24,371/year (purchasing power: $28,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,618/year (purchasing power: $47,396).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian grew 34.1% from $13.80/hr (2019) to $18.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.60/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Those pursuing part-time roles may earn a different annual income than their full-time counterparts, with a schedule of 24 hours per week likely yielding around $24,000 to $25,000 annually. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians tend to enjoy greater flexibility and typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed roles or emergency coverage at hospitals often resulting in pay rates of $30 to $50. There’s a notable variance across types of employers in Meridian; general practices generally offer lower pay compared to corporate or specialty facilities that might compensate higher for skilled technicians, especially those with advanced credentials. Many may find themselves weighing the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits against lower wages that offer health insurance. For aspiring veterinary professionals, understanding these hourly dynamics can inform their career decisions and negotiations for optimal pay, making it an essential consideration when entering the workforce in Meridian.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Meridian?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Meridian?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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