Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in New Iberia, LA: $35,179 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in New Iberia, LA earns a median $35,179/year (≈ $16.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in New Iberia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $38,958 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Louisiana state average.

$35,179
Median Annual Salary
$16.91/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$27,560
Entry Level (P10)
$44,817
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in New Iberia, LA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
New Iberia, LA veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia are projected to earn a median annual salary of $35,179 in 2026, significantly below the national average of $49,986. Salary ranges within the area present varied earning potential, with the lowest reported at $27,560 and the highest reaching $44,817. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the specialized skill requirements expected in this field. Achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, offers an avenue for higher pay within the New Iberia market. The acute workforce shortage in veterinary medicine emphasizes the need for skilled professionals, making this an opportune time for those pursuing advancement through specialization.

About the New Iberia Market

Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$27,560$13.25
Lower Range (P25)$29,232$14.05
Median (P50)(typical)$35,179$16.91
Upper Range (P75)$42,652$20.51
Top Earners (P90)$44,817$21.54

Median Salary Position

$27,560$49,986
City Median: $35,179
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

29.62% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Iberia

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in New Iberia. The median salary is $35,179, compared to the national median of $49,986.$24.8K$31.7K$38.6K$45.6K$52.5K$27.6K10th Pctl$29.2K25th Pctl$35.2KMedian$42.7K75th Pctl$44.8K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In New Iberia, LA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,257 (2026 est.). At $35,179, the local median is 29.62% below the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the New Iberia metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$676
per week
$2,931
per month
$35,176
per year

At 40 hours/week in New Iberia: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How New Iberia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

New Iberia median: $35,179/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryNew Iberia Pays
Louisiana Average$37,148-5.30% less
National Average$49,986-29.62% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in New Iberia ($35,179) with Louisiana average ($37,148) and the US national median ($49,986).New Iberia$35,179Louisiana Avg$37,148-5.30%US National$49,986-29.62%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in New Iberia, LA earn a median of $35,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.62% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $37,148.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$35,179
Nominal Salary
90.3
CoL Index
$38,958
Adjusted Salary

New Iberia 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.

The nominal salary is $35,179. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 90.3, the purchasing-power equivalent is $38,958, a gain of $3,779.$29.9K$36.8K$43.7K$50.6K$57.5K$35,179NominalSalary$38,958CoL Adjusted(CoL: 90.3) 10.74%US Median $50.0K

New Iberia, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $35,179 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,958 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$24,857

2025 BLS Actual

$33,345

2026 Current Est.

$35,179

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in New Iberia (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia. Baseline $24,857 in 2025, projected to $37,114 by 2027.$22.4K$26.7K$31.0K$35.3K$39.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$24.9K$25.5K$25.9K$26.9K$30.8K$27.4K$33.3K$35.2K$37.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$24,857Actual
2020$25,519Actual
2021$25,934Actual
2022$26,912Actual
2023$30,783Actual
2024$27,373Actual
2025$33,345Actual
2026(current)$35,179Estimated
2027$37,114Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Iberia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $24,857 (2019) to $33,345 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,114 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,257 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Iberia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$27,560$29,232
3-5 years (Mid Career)$29,232$35,179
5+ years (Experienced)$35,179$42,652
10+ years (Top Earner)$42,652$44,817

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 New Iberia

The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia is relatively small, with just seven individuals currently employed in this profession. Despite the area's compact job market, the cost of living index stands at 90.3, suggesting that local salaries can stretch further compared to higher-cost areas. Employers, including general practice veterinary clinics and specialty referral hospitals, vary in their compensation practices; those in corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl generally offer competitive rates. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as the specific skills associated with VTS certification, the differentials in corporate pay scales, and additional earnings available in specialty settings versus general practices. To maximize earning potential, it would be prudent for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Iberia to pursue VTS credentials while also considering opportunities in larger corporate entities or referral practices, which are more likely to offer higher-tier pay structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in New Iberia, LA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in New Iberia is $35,179/year ($16.91/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $27,560 at entry level (10th percentile) to $44,817 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts New Iberia at 29.6% below the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is New Iberia, LA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

New Iberia veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 29.6% below the national average and 5.3% below the Louisiana state average. The metro area employs approximately 7 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in New Iberia?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in New Iberia is $35,179, and the 90th percentile earns $44,817. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in New Iberia?

After adjusting for New Iberia's cost-of-living index of 90.3 (where 100 equals the national average), the $35,179 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $38,958 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 10.7% further in New Iberia compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for veterinary technologists and technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in New Iberia?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in New Iberia earn a median hourly rate of $16.91, which translates to approximately $35,179/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $13.25 for entry-level positions to $21.54 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $33,345 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the New Iberia 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 New Iberia is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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