Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $19.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Olive Branch, MS runs $19.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,318 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Olive Branch, Mississippi, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $19.49. This rate signifies a pay scale that falls below the national median of $24.03, creating a notable gap for professionals in the area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates to around $29,000 annually, impacting their spending power in an economy with a cost of living index of 85.7. The hourly rate can also vary significantly, ranging from $15.22 for entry-level positions to $24.78 for experienced technologists in roles that demand specialized skills. Typical work environments include a variety of settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, and even research facilities, all of which influence pay levels.
About the Olive Branch 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) | $15.22 | $121.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.16 | $129.30 |
| Median (P50) | $19.49 | $155.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.60 | $188.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.78 | $198.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch
Based on $19.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,531 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,383. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $779.43 | $3,378 | $40,531 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $467.66 | $2,027 | $24,318 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $311.77 | $1,351 | $16,212 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Olive Branch) | $19.49 |
| 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 Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $40,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $42,845.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.49/hr = $24,318/year (purchasing power: $28,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,531/year (purchasing power: $47,294).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Olive Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch grew 34.1% from $13.77/hr (2019) to $18.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.56/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 Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
Evaluating the financial prospects of part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals some stark contrasts. For instance, individuals working 24 hours a week may find themselves earning approximately $29,000 annually, while full-time positions yield considerably higher salaries. For those interested in per diem or agency work, compensation can be even more lucrative, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general duties and potentially hitting $35 to $55 for VTS-credentialed specialty technicians. Weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals may command $30 to $50 per hour, which reflects the reality of a market grappling with a veterinary workforce shortage. Pay levels also fluctuate depending on the type of employer; general practice clinics typically offer lower rates than corporate chains or specialty hospitals. While higher hourly rates may attract some, the absence of benefits often makes lower-paying jobs with health insurance more appealing. For those negotiating their salaries, understanding the current pay scale and leveraging specialty credentials or unique skills can make a significant difference in their financial outcomes in Olive Branch.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Olive Branch?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Olive Branch?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Olive Branch?
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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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch 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