Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $20.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Southaven, MS runs $20.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,279 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Southaven, MS, can expect an hourly median rate of $20.26 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly figure of $24.03. This disparity reflects the regional economic conditions and cost of living, particularly pertinent for part-time and per-diem workers who may operate in diverse settings like general practices, specialty hospitals, or even in wildlife rehabilitation. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate means earning approximately $12,565 per year for a typical schedule, while entry-level positions might see rates starting at $15.95, going up to around $26.02 for the highest earners. The wide range demonstrates the earning potential available to those who stay in the profession and seek advanced credentials or specialty training.
About the Southaven 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) | $15.95 | $127.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.00 | $135.97 |
| Median (P50) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.14 | $193.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.02 | $208.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $20.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $42,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,307. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $810.24 | $3,511 | $42,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $486.14 | $2,107 | $25,279 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.10 | $1,404 | $16,853 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Southaven) | $20.26 |
| 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 Southaven, MS earn a median of $42,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $42,825.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.26/hr = $25,279/year (purchasing power: $29,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,132/year (purchasing power: $49,163).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Southaven grew 34.1% from $14.31/hr (2019) to $19.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.37/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 Southaven 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 Southaven
In a part-time capacity, a veterinary technologist or technician who works 24 hours a week can earn significantly less than those in full-time employment, affecting their annual earnings considerably. While per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Southaven is varied, many professionals in this role can earn between $25 and $40 an hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists attracting even higher rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Furthermore, facilities in high-demand regions often compensate veterinarians for weekend and overnight emergency roles at rates from $30 to $50 hourly, further illustrating the impact of market needs on earning potential. Employers such as corporate veterinary hospitals or specialty clinics may offer different rates based on accepted salary structures and benefits packages. Some veterinary professionals may choose slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, highlighting the intricate decision-making required in the field. Negotiating effectively can greatly enhance earnings; being aware of the competitive rates and the specific needs of local employers in Southaven can make a difference in securing a favorable offer.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Southaven in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Southaven?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Southaven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Southaven?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Southaven?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Southaven. 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 Southaven 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