Vet Tech salary

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.

$40,531
Median Annual Salary
$19.49/hr
Hourly Rate
$31,672
Entry Level (P10)
$51,542
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Olive Branch, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Olive Branch, MS veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Olive Branch earning $19.49/hr would make approximately $23,383 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $40,531 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$23,383Reduced (32 hr/wk)$31,177Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$40,531

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$155.89
per 8hr shift
$779.43
per week
$3,378
per month
$40,531
per year

Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Olive Branch ($40,531) with Mississippi average ($42,845) and the US national median ($49,986).Olive Branch$40,531Mississippi Avg$42,845-5.40%US National$49,986-18.92%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch. Baseline $13.77/hr in 2025, projected to $20.56/hr by 2027.$10$13$16$19$222019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$13.77$14.14$14.37$14.91$17.05$11.69$18.47$19.49$20.56
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$13.77/hrActual
2020$14.14/hrActual
2021$14.37/hrActual
2022$14.91/hrActual
2023$17.05/hrActual
2024$11.69/hrActual
2025$18.47/hrActual
2026(current)$19.49/hrEstimated
2027$20.56/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olive Branch metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch is $19.49/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $15.22 at entry level (10th percentile) to $24.78 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 18.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Olive Branch?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Olive Branch earns approximately $2,027/month, or $24,318/year at the median hourly rate of $19.49. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch are paid hourly at a median rate of $19.49/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $40,531/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Olive Branch?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Olive Branch earns approximately $40,531/year at the median hourly rate of $19.49. This is 18.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $51,546/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Olive Branch?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Olive Branch sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $24.78/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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