Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbus, MS: $40,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Columbus, MS earns a median $40,282/year (≈ $19.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $47,004 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median annual income of $40,282 in 2026, reflecting a significant gap compared to the national median of $49,986. Local pay scales, influenced by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, offer a range where entry-level positions earn as little as $30,765, while experienced technicians can command up to $49,029 per year. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data with regional price adjustments, indicate how the job market is situated within the broader context of veterinary care. Given the growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals in the area, this salary range highlights potential for career advancement in Columbus, particularly for those who seek to specialize or move into corporate environments.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,765 | $14.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,187 | $16.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,282 | $19.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,907 | $22.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,029 | $23.57 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,264 (2026 est.). At $40,282, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be above the median
How Columbus Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Columbus median: $40,282/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,853 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -19.41% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbus, MS earn a median of $40,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,853.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,282 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,004 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,463
2025 BLS Actual
$38,182
2026 Current Est.
$40,282
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,463 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,221 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,182 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,498 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,463 (2019) to $38,182 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,498 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,035 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $30,765 – $35,187 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,187 – $40,282 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,282 – $46,907 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,907 – $49,029 |
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 Columbus
The current employment landscape in Columbus consists of six veterinary technologists and technicians, creating a niche but competitive job market. With the cost of living index sitting at 85.7, the local salaries may be somewhat lower than the national average, but they still offer reasonable purchasing power. Among the employment options, corporate chain hospitals tend to provide higher compensation than general practice facilities, while specialty referral hospitals can offer even more competitive pay, particularly for VTS credential holders in specialties like ECC or anesthesia. This variability in salaries can be attributed to factors such as the type of healthcare setting, experience level, and whether individuals take on leadership roles or work night shifts at emergency facilities. For aspiring professionals in Columbus, pursuing specialty credentials could be a strategic path to maximizing earning potential in a market where skilled workers are in high demand.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Columbus?
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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 $38,182 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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