Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Natchitoches, LA: $34,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Natchitoches, LA earns a median $34,702/year (≈ $16.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Natchitoches's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $38,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Natchitoches, LA, are projected to earn a median salary of $34,702. This reflects a significant gap compared to the national median, which stands at $49,986, illustrating the local market dynamics. Salaries in the area range from $28,937 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $43,986 at the higher end (90th percentile). These figures have been derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. For those aspiring to higher pay within this profession, obtaining a VTS specialty credential in areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesia can lead to significantly increased earnings, indicative of the skills and expertise valued in the competitive local job market.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,937 | $13.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,045 | $14.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,702 | $16.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,106 | $19.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,986 | $21.14 |
Median Salary Position
30.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Natchitoches
In Natchitoches, LA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,049 (2026 est.). At $34,702, the local median is 30.58% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Natchitoches: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Natchitoches Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Natchitoches median: $34,702/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Natchitoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $37,154 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -30.58% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $34,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $37,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Natchitoches has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Natchitoches, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $34,702 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,430 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,520
2025 BLS Actual
$32,893
2026 Current Est.
$34,702
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,548 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,003 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Natchitoches metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $24,520 (2019) to $32,893 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $36,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,091 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Natchitoches 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $28,937 – $30,045 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,045 – $34,702 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,702 – $40,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,106 – $43,986 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Natchitoches
Looking closer at Natchitoches, the job market currently employs six veterinary technologists and technicians, underscoring the limited availability of positions in this field. With a cost of living index of 90.3, salaries tend to reflect the local economic conditions, offering a slightly improved purchasing power compared to the national average. In this region, corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, typically offer the most competitive pay, alongside specialty referral hospitals that treat more complex cases. Factors driving salary disparities include the VTS designation and the differing pay scales between general practices and specialty settings. To maximize earning potential in Natchitoches, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing VTS credentials, targeting employment with specialty hospitals, and seeking positions with responsibilities that may include leadership roles or shift differentials in 24-hour emergency environments.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Natchitoches, LA in 2026?
Is Natchitoches, LA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Natchitoches?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Natchitoches?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Natchitoches?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $32,893 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Natchitoches metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Natchitoches 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