Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Gulfport, MS: $38,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Gulfport, MS earns a median $38,634/year (≈ $18.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Gulfport's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.0), that paycheck buys what $42,924 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.8% below the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as a veterinary technologist and technician in Gulfport, MS, achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in fields such as emergency and critical care or anesthesia can significantly enhance earning potential. Projected figures for 2026 indicate a median salary of $38,634, with an extensive salary range from $29,762 at the 10th percentile to $46,209 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from data collected through official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. While the local salaries may appear lower than the national median of $49,986, the commitment to specialized training can lead to opportunities for higher compensation within this market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,762 | $14.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,459 | $17.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,634 | $18.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39,204 | $18.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,209 | $22.22 |
Median Salary Position
22.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
In Gulfport, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,447 (2026 est.). At $38,634, the local median is 22.71% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Gulfport: You'd be above the median
How Gulfport Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Gulfport median: $38,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gulfport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,832 | -9.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -22.71% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Gulfport, MS earn a median of $38,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.71% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 9.80% below the Mississippi state average of $42,832.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gulfport has a cost of living 9.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gulfport, MS has a cost-of-living index of 90.006 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,634 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,924 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,000
2025 BLS Actual
$36,620
2026 Current Est.
$38,634
2019–2027 Growth
+51.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,759 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gulfport metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 35.6% from $27,000 (2019) to $36,620 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,759 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,759 (50.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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) | $29,762 – $35,459 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,459 – $38,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,634 – $39,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $39,204 – $46,209 |
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 Gulfport
Gulfport's job market currently employs around 70 veterinary technologists and technicians, contributing to a competitive yet concentrated workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 90.006, take-home pay remains relatively favorable, allowing for decent purchasing power even amid modest salaries. Employers that offer the highest compensation tend to be specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain hospitals like VCA or BluePearl, and campus veterinary hospitals associated with universities. The disparity in pay reflects the level of specialization, with VTS credentials commanding higher wages, particularly in emergency and critical care roles. To maximize earning potential in Gulfport, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing advanced qualifications, seeking roles in specialty clinics, and engaging in continuous education to remain competitive in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $36,620 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Gulfport 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
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