Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Springfield, MO: $19.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Springfield, MO runs $19.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,649 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,384 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Missouri, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $19.54 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This disparity can be felt by both full-time and part-time workers in animal healthcare settings, from general practice clinics to specialty hospitals and university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—their earnings would equate to around $22,339 annually based on a typical schedule. Entry-level workers can expect to start at approximately $15.22 per hour, while more experienced professionals may earn up to $23.93 per hour. This range illustrates the dynamic earning potential in this field, with official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlighting the differences that can arise based on experience and employer type in Springfield.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.22 | $121.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.58 | $148.63 |
| Median (P50) | $19.54 | $156.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.02 | $184.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.93 | $191.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $19.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.54/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $40,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,446. With a cost-of-living index of 88.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $781.54 | $3,387 | $40,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.93 | $2,032 | $24,384 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.62 | $1,355 | $16,256 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Springfield) | $19.54 |
| 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 Springfield, MO earn a median of $40,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.68% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.10% below the Missouri state average of $42,387.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.54/hr = $24,384/year (purchasing power: $27,526).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,640/year (purchasing power: $45,877).
CoL index: 88.585 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield grew 39.9% from $13.24/hr (2019) to $18.52/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.61/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Analyzing the earning potential further, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield may choose to seek work through per-diem positions, where they can find lucrative opportunities. Per diem rates for veterinary technologists and technicians can range from $25 to $40 per hour, while those with VTS credentials might command $35 to $55 per hour—especially in high-demand areas such as emergency care. Moreover, hospitals facing staffing shortages often offer $30 to $50 for weekend shifts, creating an attractive option for those looking for supplemental income. Across various employer types, such as general practice clinics and corporate chain hospitals, hourly rates can vary significantly. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates offered by organizations that provide health insurance, while others might pursue higher-paying positions with no benefits. Ultimately, negotiating pay rates while considering the full compensation package is vital for industry workers seeking to maximize their earning potential in Springfield.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Springfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Springfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Springfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Springfield. 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