Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Louisiana: $37,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Louisiana's 20 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $37,135/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Louisiana sits at BEA RPP 90.3 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $41,124 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Metairie ($35,790), Baton Rouge ($35,760), New Orleans ($35,660).
In Louisiana, the average median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is projected to be $37,135, significantly lower than the national median of $49,986, marking a difference of 25.7%. The highest paying city is Metairie, where salaries reach $37,758, while Monroe offers the lowest at $34,140, highlighting a $3,618 salary gap. This difference can be influenced by factors such as the cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and regional economic conditions. Louisiana's licensing requirements mandate that veterinary technicians complete an accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. The demand for veterinary services remains strong, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.50% for this occupation, based on 2025 BLS data. Key cities for employment in 2026 include Baton Rouge at $37,727, New Orleans at $37,621, Lake Charles at $37,315, and Alexandria at $37,210. As the veterinary field evolves, factors such as advancements in technology and increasing pet ownership may further shape the landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in the state. Overall, while salaries in Louisiana may lag behind national averages, the job market shows positive growth potential.
Louisiana Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Louisiana: $23,548 (lowest entry-level) to $52,567 (highest top earner)
Louisiana vs National Average
Louisiana veterinary technologists and technicians earn 25.71% less than the national median ($-12,851/year difference).
Louisiana Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Louisiana range from $29,229 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $49,209 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $37,135. The Louisiana median is $12,851 below the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $17.85/hr. Approximately 1,817 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 20 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,176
2025 BLS Actual
$35,199
2026 Current Est.
$37,135
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Louisiana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,021 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,485 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,009 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,177 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisiana metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.5% from $26,176 (2019) to $35,199 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,177 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,001 (49.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisiana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Louisiana
Lowest Paying Cities in Louisiana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Monroe | $34,140 |
| Sulphur | $34,339 |
| Zachary | $34,538 |
| Natchitoches | $34,702 |
| New Iberia | $35,179 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Louisiana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Louisiana cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreveport | $37,136 | 84.766 | $43,810 |
| Lake Charles | $37,315 | 85.852 | $43,464 |
| Alexandria | $37,210 | 85.686 | $43,426 |
| Hammond | $36,398 | 84.46 | $43,095 |
| Houma | $36,609 | 85.103 | $43,017 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $29,229 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $37,135 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $49,209 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Louisiana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 20 Cities in Louisiana
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metairie | $37,758 |
| 2 | Baton Rouge | $37,727 |
| 3 | New Orleans | $37,621 |
| 4 | Lake Charles | $37,315 |
| 5 | Alexandria | $37,210 |
| 6 | Shreveport | $37,136 |
| 7 | Lafayette | $36,714 |
| 8 | Houma | $36,609 |
| 9 | Bossier City | $36,546 |
| 10 | Hammond | $36,398 |
| 11 | Kenner | $36,384 |
| 12 | Slidell | $36,078 |
| 13 | Thibodaux | $35,839 |
| 14 | Ruston | $35,711 |
| 15 | Central | $35,675 |
| 16 | New Iberia | $35,179 |
| 17 | Natchitoches | $34,702 |
| 18 | Zachary | $34,538 |
| 19 | Sulphur | $34,339 |
| 20 | Monroe | $34,140 |
More Louisiana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Louisiana cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Louisiana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisiana?
How does Louisiana veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Louisiana?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Louisiana?
Which Louisiana city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Louisiana. State averages are employment-weighted across 20 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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