Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wildwood, MO: $20.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wildwood, MO runs $20.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,032 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wildwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood, MO, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $20.20 in 2026, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate critically influences both part-time and per-diem employment opportunities in various settings, from general practice clinics to specialty animal hospitals and research facilities. For those working three days a week, the earnings can vary significantly depending on experience and specific environments. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at approximately $15.68, and top earners in the field can reach hourly rates up to $25.54. These numbers represent projections based on annual salary data, showing a clear picture of what aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood can anticipate in their careers.
About the Wildwood 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) | $15.68 | $125.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.70 | $133.61 |
| Median (P50) | $20.20 | $161.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.98 | $191.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.54 | $204.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wildwood
Based on $20.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.20/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wildwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,244. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wildwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wildwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $808.13 | $3,502 | $42,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.88 | $2,101 | $25,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.25 | $1,401 | $16,809 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wildwood) | $20.20 |
| 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 Wildwood, MO earn a median of $42,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.91% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $42,371.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.20/hr = $25,214/year (purchasing power: $28,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,023/year (purchasing power: $46,900).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood grew 34.1% from $14.28/hr (2019) to $19.15/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.31/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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those who work around 24 hours a week can earn an annual income that may significantly differ from their full-time counterparts. Per-diem workers often find themselves with more lucrative options, billing between $25 and $40 per hour for short-term assignments. Moreover, VTS-credentialed professionals can command rates from $35 to $55 per hour, especially for specialized services and overnight emergency coverage in areas with high demand. Hourly rates within Wildwood also vary based on the type of employer; for instance, corporate chain hospitals and specialty clinics often provide distinct pay scales compared to general practice facilities. A practical consideration for many in this field is the balance between pay and benefits, as some technicians may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for reliable health insurance. Negotiations regarding hourly pay can be more straightforward when one has insights into regional pay trends and employer types, aiding in securing a fair compensation rate.
More salary data for Wildwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wildwood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wildwood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wildwood?
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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 Wildwood. 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 Wildwood 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