Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $19.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Joplin, MO runs $19.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,740 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $19.82, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy reflects the local economic conditions and cost of living, which stands at 85.718 on the index, indicating that hourly wages may not fully meet the rising demand for vet techs. At this rate, even part-time workers, who typically might schedule three days a week in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, teaching facilities, or even research labs, could find themselves earning a steady income, though likely below their counterparts in larger metropolitan areas. Entry-level positions start at approximately $15.42 per hour, peaking at around $23.09 for experienced professionals, showcasing the potential for growth within the field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.42 | $123.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.78 | $150.23 |
| Median (P50) | $19.82 | $158.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.20 | $161.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.09 | $184.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $19.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.82/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $41,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,788. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $792.94 | $3,436 | $41,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $475.76 | $2,062 | $24,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.18 | $1,374 | $16,493 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Joplin) | $19.82 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $41,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.52% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% below the Missouri state average of $42,373.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.82/hr = $24,740/year (purchasing power: $28,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,233/year (purchasing power: $48,103).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Joplin grew 16.7% from $16.10/hr (2019) to $18.79/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.91/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Joplin can expect varying annual earnings depending on their hours. For example, working three days a week amounts to about 24 hours, leading to an approximate annual income that may place them significantly lower than their full-time peers. However, those in the per-diem or agency roles often charge higher rates, usually billing between $25 and $40 per hour. Credentialed specialists can earn even more, often seeing rates of $35 to $55 per hour for specialized roles, especially in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. In Joplin, employers range from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals, each offering different pay scales. While some may prefer stable benefits over higher hourly pay, it can be advantageous to negotiate based on local market rates, particularly within the growing demand in this profession.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Joplin in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Joplin?
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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 Joplin. 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, 7-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