Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Starkville, MS: $20.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Starkville, MS runs $20.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Starkville's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,990 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Starkville, Mississippi, have a median hourly rate of $20.02, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03. For part-time workers, such as those available only three days a week, the hourly rate translates into earning potential that can support both personal and professional goals. Typically, these professionals work in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. Entry-level technicians can expect to start at around $14.88 per hour, while top earners in the field can make as much as $25.24, reflecting approximately 5.50% annual growth anticipated over the next five years according to projections based on 2025 BLS data.
About the Starkville 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) | $14.88 | $119.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.27 | $138.16 |
| Median (P50) | $20.02 | $160.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.73 | $189.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.24 | $201.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Starkville
Based on $20.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.02/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Starkville, MS can expect to earn approximately $41,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,029. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Starkville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Starkville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $800.96 | $3,471 | $41,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $480.57 | $2,082 | $24,990 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.38 | $1,388 | $16,660 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Starkville) | $20.02 |
| 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 Starkville, MS earn a median of $41,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $42,858.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.02/hr = $24,990/year (purchasing power: $29,160).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,650/year (purchasing power: $48,599).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Starkville grew 34.1% from $14.15/hr (2019) to $18.98/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.13/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 Starkville 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 Starkville
Focusing on part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually compared to a full-time employee, highlighting the trade-offs of flexibility versus stability. Per-diem workers can expect to earn between $25 and $40 per hour for their services, with specialized technicians commanding higher rates; VTS-credentialed specialty techs might see earnings reach $35-$55 per hour, especially for critical overnight coverage in emergency and specialty hospitals. Starkville's varied employment landscape includes a mix of general practice clinics and corporate chain hospitals, each offering unique pay structures. Many professionals in this field choose lower hourly rates for stable health benefits, while negotiable rates often favor those willing to work in high-demand environments. Effective negotiation could involve showcasing specialized training such as VTS credentials or demonstrating an understanding of local market rates to secure a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Starkville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Starkville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Starkville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Starkville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Starkville?
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 Starkville. 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 Starkville 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