Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Meridian, MS: $40,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Meridian, MS earns a median $40,611/year (≈ $19.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $47,387 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $40,611, significantly lower than the national average of $49,986, highlighting a notable pay disparity. The salary range in this region spans from $31,820 at the 10th percentile to $51,694 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied compensation based on experience and setting. These figures are derived from state-level data, adjusted for local cost of living, a crucial aspect to consider as Meridian operates below the national average, with a cost-of-living index at 85.7. Given the corporate consolidation of veterinary services, particularly with chains like VCA and BluePearl, the current market dynamics reveal a competitive landscape for veterinary technicians, suggesting that advanced skills and specialty credentials can significantly influence earning potential in Meridian.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,820 | $15.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,782 | $16.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,611 | $19.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,427 | $23.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,694 | $24.86 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,874 (2026 est.). At $40,611, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Meridian median: $40,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,839 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -18.76% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Meridian, MS earn a median of $40,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $42,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian 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.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,611 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,387 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,696
2025 BLS Actual
$38,494
2026 Current Est.
$40,611
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,696 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,068 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,373 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,494 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,845 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,696 (2019) to $38,494 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,845 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,149 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $31,820 – $33,782 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,782 – $40,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,611 – $48,427 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,427 – $51,694 |
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 Meridian
With only seven veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Meridian, the local job market remains rather limited. However, the cost of living does play a supportive role in enhancing take-home purchasing power, particularly when considering housing and other essential expenses. Corporate veterinary hospitals generally offer higher salaries compared to general practice settings, with specialty referral hospitals also known for better compensation, especially for technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certifications in areas such as emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. The difference in wages stems from various factors, including the complexity of the role, employer pay scales, and shift differentials at around-the-clock emergency clinics. To maximize earnings, it’s beneficial for veterinary professionals in Meridian to pursue further certifications and seek employment with corporate chains or specialty hospitals that are more inclined to offer competitive salaries, thereby aligning their compensation with industry standards.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $38,494 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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