Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in St. Joseph, MO: $20.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in St. Joseph, MO runs $20.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,490 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against St. Joseph's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,490 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Joseph, Missouri, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $20.42 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03, highlighting a regional pay discrepancy that can impact lifestyle choices for professionals in this field. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates to a take-home income that could be suitable for flexibility, with earnings that vary based on different roles: from general practice facilities to specialized hospitals. The hourly wage range in St. Joseph spans from $15.05 at the entry-level (P10) to $26.22 for highly experienced technicians (P90), meaning that while there are opportunities for advancement, many may start with less than their counterparts in more competitive markets.
About the St. Joseph 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) | $15.05 | $120.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.38 | $131.07 |
| Median (P50) | $20.42 | $163.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.38 | $195.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.22 | $209.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Joseph
Based on $20.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Joseph, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,484 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,510. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Joseph.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Joseph
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $816.99 | $3,540 | $42,484 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.20 | $2,124 | $25,490 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.80 | $1,416 | $16,993 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (St. Joseph) | $20.42 |
| 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 St. Joseph, MO earn a median of $42,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.00% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% above the Missouri state average of $42,363.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.42/hr = $25,490/year (purchasing power: $28,449).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,484/year (purchasing power: $47,415).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in St. Joseph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Joseph grew 38.2% from $14.01/hr (2019) to $19.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.55/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 St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician in St. Joseph working just 24 hours a week would earn considerably less than their full-time peers, impacting annual earning potential. Per-diem roles offer another avenue, with various agencies compensating skilled technicians anywhere between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command rates of $35 to $55 per hour, especially during high-demand periods such as weekends or overnight shifts. Different employer types also influence pay; corporate chains may offer steadier wages but with limited benefits compared to specialty hospitals or research facilities that may pay higher hourly rates. As negotiations take place, candidates should consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and the potential for health benefits, which can be a significant factor for many professionals in St. Joseph. Understanding the dynamics of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in this area will better equip practitioners to navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for St. Joseph, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Joseph in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in St. Joseph?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Joseph paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in St. Joseph?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in St. Joseph?
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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 St. Joseph. 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 St. Joseph 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