Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $20.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $20.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,424 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $20.37, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the economic landscape of the region and has implications for various employment settings, including general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research labs. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, these figures translate into a compensation structure that may not fully support a stable financial lifestyle, particularly when accounting for the demands of the job. The hourly range for this profession extends from $15.65 for entry-level positions to $23.58 for the top earners in the area, indicating potential growth over time but also highlighting the current limitations in pay relative to national figures based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.65 | $125.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.31 | $146.52 |
| Median (P50) | $20.37 | $162.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.08 | $176.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.58 | $188.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $20.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,374 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,446. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $814.88 | $3,531 | $42,374 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $488.93 | $2,119 | $25,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $325.95 | $1,412 | $16,950 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cape Girardeau) | $20.37 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $42,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.24% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.37/hr = $25,424/year (purchasing power: $29,536).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,374/year (purchasing power: $49,227).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cape Girardeau grew 34.1% from $14.39/hr (2019) to $19.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.49/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
For those considering part-time roles, veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week would make approximately $25,016 annually, in stark contrast to full-timers who could earn double that depending on their hourly engagements. Additionally, per-diem and agency opportunities can significantly alter earning potential, with per diem veterinary technologists and technicians billing $25-$40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians may command $35-$55. Weekend and overnight emergencies frequently pay substantially higher rates ranging from $30-$50 per hour, especially in markets experiencing workforce shortages. Employers in Cape Girardeau vary widely in pay based on their type, with corporate chains often offering lower salaries compared to specialty or university hospitals that may provide benefits. This raises questions about job satisfaction versus financial needs, as many in the field must weigh the trade-off between the higher hourly pay from private practices against the stability of corporate roles offering health insurance. Negotiation strategies that highlight one's credentials and experience remain essential, especially as the demand for qualified technicians increases across the board in MO.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cape Girardeau?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cape Girardeau?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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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 Cape Girardeau. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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