Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Nixa, MO: $19.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Nixa, MO runs $19.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Nixa'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 Nixa, Missouri, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $19.52, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity reflects the localized market conditions and the cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this rate translates into approximately $31,000 annually, making it crucial to weigh the benefits of full-time versus part-time employment in this field. For those considering per diem opportunities, there is potential to earn between $25 and $40 per hour. Entry-level positions start around $15.54 per hour, while experienced technicians can command rates as high as $24.51, providing a competitive range for those looking to enter or progress in the veterinary field in Nixa.
About the Nixa 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) | $15.54 | $124.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.31 | $130.48 |
| Median (P50) | $19.52 | $156.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.14 | $185.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.51 | $196.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nixa
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 Nixa, 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 Nixa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nixa
| 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 (Nixa) | $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 Nixa, MO earn a median of $40,603 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 $42,383.
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 Nixa (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 Nixa 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 Nixa 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 Nixa
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can experience considerable variation in earnings based on their work arrangements. Someone working three days a week may face limitations compared to full-time employees, but their hourly rate allows for flexibility and a different lifestyle. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Nixa can exceed standard hourly wages, particularly for those with advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist; these professionals generally earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Different employer types also influence pay; corporate chains may offer stability and benefits but typically at a lower hourly rate, while specialty hospitals often pay more due to their high-demand environment. Negotiating for a higher wage is essential, particularly in an area facing workforce shortages, and it is advisable for technicians to leverage their qualifications during such discussions to secure competitive pay and possibly trade off lower-hourly wages for added benefits like health insurance.
More salary data for Nixa, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Nixa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Nixa?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Nixa paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Nixa?
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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 Nixa. 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 Nixa 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