Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pearl, MS: $20.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pearl, MS runs $20.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pearl's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearl, Mississippi, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.40 in 2026, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference reflects the local market conditions and the generally lower cost of living in the area. For both part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly rate means that those working three days a week in environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities, can expect to earn around $1,632 monthly before taxes, assuming a 24-hour work week. Entry-level employees might see hourly wages starting around $15.71, while more experienced professionals at the top end of the scale could earn as much as $25.77 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data converted to hourly figures, providing a realistic outlook for those considering a career in veterinary technology in Pearl.
About the Pearl 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) | $15.71 | $125.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.82 | $134.53 |
| Median (P50) | $20.40 | $163.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.16 | $193.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.77 | $206.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearl
Based on $20.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearl, MS can expect to earn approximately $42,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,484. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearl.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearl
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $816.15 | $3,537 | $42,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $489.69 | $2,122 | $25,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.46 | $1,415 | $16,976 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pearl) | $20.40 |
| 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 Pearl, MS earn a median of $42,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Mississippi state average of $42,817.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.40/hr = $25,464/year (purchasing power: $29,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,440/year (purchasing power: $49,521).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pearl grew 34.1% from $14.42/hr (2019) to $19.34/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.53/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 Pearl 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 Pearl
Looking deeper into the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working just three days a week could yield annual earnings of approximately $19,584, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The reality of per-diem or agency work presents an alternative for many in the field; these roles often command higher rates, with per diem veterinary technologists and technicians able to charge between $25 and $40 per hour. Credentialed specialists, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), might earn up to $55 per hour, especially during critical weekend shifts in emergency care settings where understaffing is common. The hourly rates vary across different employer types in Pearl, ranging from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty facilities. While some professionals accept lower hourly wages at certain jobs for the benefits like health insurance, others may negotiate for higher pay without benefits. Understanding the nuances of the local job market and being prepared to negotiate can significantly impact earning potential in this veterinary field.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pearl in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pearl?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pearl paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pearl?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pearl?
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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 Pearl. 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 Pearl 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