Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $19.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ridgeland, MS runs $19.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,674 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, Mississippi, 2026 projections indicate that the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate stands at $19.77, notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, the income level can be substantial, allowing for a flexible work-life balance while still maintaining a steady income. The hourly range for these professionals starts at $15.79 for entry-level positions and extends up to $24.17 for more experienced technicians. These figures suggest a solid pathway for those entering the workforce or seeking new opportunities within varied veterinary settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $15.79 | $126.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.34 | $138.75 |
| Median (P50) | $19.77 | $158.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.07 | $184.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.17 | $193.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $19.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.77/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $41,123 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,725. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $790.83 | $3,427 | $41,123 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $474.50 | $2,056 | $24,674 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.33 | $1,371 | $16,449 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ridgeland) | $19.77 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $41,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,844.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.77/hr = $24,674/year (purchasing power: $28,791).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,123/year (purchasing power: $47,985).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ridgeland grew 34.1% from $13.97/hr (2019) to $18.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.86/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
For those considering per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Ridgeland, the situation can be much more lucrative. Per-diem workers often command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while specialists holding the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can earn upwards of $35 to $55 per hour for their expertise. Additionally, weekend or overnight shifts in emergency clinics may offer $30 to $50 per hour, especially in markets facing staffing shortages. The choice between different employment types in Ridgeland also leads to varied compensation packages; for instance, general practices might offer lower hourly rates due to fewer benefits, whereas corporate chains may balance pay with comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating for a fair rate becomes essential, especially given the acute workforce shortage affecting the veterinary field and the rising demand for skilled technicians in various sectors.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ridgeland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ridgeland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ridgeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ridgeland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ridgeland?
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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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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