Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Laurel, MS: $39,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Laurel, MS earns a median $39,618/year (≈ $19.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $46,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel, MS, can expect a median annual salary of $39,618 according to projections for 2026. This figure reflects a distinct pay gradient influenced by the choice between specialty hospitals and general practice settings, wherein high-demand specialties offer higher compensation. The projected salary range for these professionals is between $32,518 at the 10th percentile and $49,359 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which notably sits below the national average. The job market in Laurel is somewhat limited, with only 6 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed, indicating a tightly held market where competition may influence pay rates.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,518 | $15.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,799 | $16.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,618 | $19.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,839 | $22.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,359 | $23.73 |
Median Salary Position
20.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,841 (2026 est.). At $39,618, the local median is 20.74% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Laurel median: $39,618/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,831 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -20.74% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Laurel, MS earn a median of $39,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $42,831.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel 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.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,618 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,229 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,994
2025 BLS Actual
$37,553
2026 Current Est.
$39,618
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,739 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,668 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,778 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $27,994 (2019) to $37,553 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,803 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $32,518 – $33,799 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,799 – $39,618 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,618 – $46,839 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,839 – $49,359 |
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 Laurel
Employers that typically offer the best pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel generally include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The cost-of-living index in Laurel is 85.7, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power can be relatively favorable given local expenses. The variance in salaries can be driven by several factors: credentialing as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) enhances earning potential significantly, especially in critical care, anesthesia, and internal medicine. Additionally, pay scales differ based on setting and employer; specialty hospitals often offer higher salaries compared to general practice due to their enhanced service complexity and the need for specialized skills. For professionals eager to maximize their pay in Laurel, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment with corporate chains or specialty facilities may be rewarding strategies.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 $37,553 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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