Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $36,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hattiesburg, MS earns a median $36,967/year (≈ $17.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hattiesburg's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.6), that paycheck buys what $42,184 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.7% below the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Hattiesburg, MS, earn a median annual salary of $36,967, which is significantly lower than the national average of $49,986. This professional group, with a salary range spanning from $31,639 at the lower end (P10) to $41,240 at the high end (P90), has seen slower growth in compensation compared to other regions. The data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, highlights the value of pursuing advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Achieving such credentials can elevate marketability and income potential, reflecting a growing need for specialized skills in Hattiesburg’s job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,639 | $15.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,937 | $15.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,967 | $17.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39,731 | $19.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41,240 | $19.83 |
Median Salary Position
26.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $9,601 (2026 est.). At $36,967, the local median is 26.05% below the national median of $49,986.
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How Hattiesburg Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hattiesburg median: $36,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hattiesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,836 | -13.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -26.05% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hattiesburg, MS earn a median of $36,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.05% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 13.70% below the Mississippi state average of $42,836.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hattiesburg has a cost of living 12.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hattiesburg, MS has a cost-of-living index of 87.633 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $36,967 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,184 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.11% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,530
2025 BLS Actual
$35,040
2026 Current Est.
$36,967
2019–2027 Growth
+-28.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,000 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hattiesburg metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew -35.7% from $54,530 (2019) to $35,040 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,000 by 2027 — a total increase of $-15,530 (-28.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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) | $31,639 – $32,937 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,937 – $36,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,967 – $39,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $39,731 – $41,240 |
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 Hattiesburg
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians is comprised of approximately 50 professionals, offering a solid employment base despite the lower pay compared to national figures. Hattiesburg has a cost-of-living index of 87.633, indicating that residents may have better purchasing power than in many other locations, despite lower wages. Among employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer more competitive pay than general practice vet clinics. The disparity in salaries is largely influenced by the credentials held; those with VTS specialties can command higher rates, while shifts and leadership roles within specialty hospitals often have pay differentials that provide additional financial incentives. For those looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Hattiesburg, seeking further education, gaining specialized experience, and pursuing leadership positions are practical strategies worth considering.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, 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 $35,040 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hattiesburg 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