Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ballwin, MO: $19.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ballwin, MO runs $19.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ballwin's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,358 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ballwin, Missouri, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.52 for the year 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $24.03, indicating a regional variance that may affect local practitioners. For part-time employees working three days a week, or those taking per-diem shifts, this hourly rate translates into possible earnings around $40,606 annually if they work full shifts consistently. The hourly range in Ballwin varies, with entry-level positions earning approximately $15.08 per hour while more experienced technicians can command up to $25.31 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salaries, reflect the variety of settings in which these professionals work, from general veterinary practices to specialized hospitals, zoos, and research facilities.
About the Ballwin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.08 | $120.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.06 | $128.46 |
| Median (P50) | $19.52 | $156.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.52 | $188.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.31 | $202.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ballwin
Based on $19.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.52/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ballwin, MO can expect to earn approximately $40,596 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,421. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ballwin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ballwin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $780.70 | $3,383 | $40,596 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.42 | $2,030 | $24,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.28 | $1,353 | $16,239 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ballwin) | $19.52 |
| 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 Ballwin, MO earn a median of $40,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Missouri state average of $42,386.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.52/hr = $24,358/year (purchasing power: $27,185).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,596/year (purchasing power: $45,308).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ballwin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ballwin grew 34.1% from $13.79/hr (2019) to $18.50/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.59/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 Ballwin 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 Ballwin
Analyzing the potential earnings for those in this profession reveals several considerations, especially for part-time workers. A veterinary technologist or technician working a 24-hour week could expect to earn around $37,680 annually, compared to full-time peers who work much more and earn higher cumulative amounts. Per diem roles present an entirely different pay scale in Ballwin, where rates can range from $25 to $40 per hour, while highly specialized VTS credentialed technicians might earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Employers like corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral centers, and university teaching hospitals often pay different rates reflecting their specific operational needs. Factors like health insurance can influence decisions; some may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits. Those looking to negotiate their hourly pay should do research on the local market, focusing on the credentials that can lead to better compensation in a competitive field where really talented individuals are in high demand.
More salary data for Ballwin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ballwin in 2026?
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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 Ballwin. 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 Ballwin 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