Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ridgeland, MS: $41,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ridgeland, MS earns a median $41,130/year (≈ $19.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ridgeland's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $47,993 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Ridgeland, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $41,130. This places local compensation significantly below the national median of $49,986, highlighting a pay gradient between specialty hospitals and general practice settings. The salary range in Ridgeland varies from $32,841 at the 10th percentile to $50,272 at the 90th percentile, indicating opportunities for growth within the field. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflecting the unique economic circumstances of this area. The job market appears steady, with five professionals currently employed, suggesting that there are opportunities available despite the lower-than-average compensation.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,841 | $15.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,130 | $19.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,994 | $23.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,272 | $24.17 |
Median Salary Position
17.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ridgeland
In Ridgeland, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,431 (2026 est.). At $41,130, the local median is 17.72% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ridgeland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ridgeland Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ridgeland median: $41,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ridgeland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,844 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -17.72% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $41,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,844.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ridgeland 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.
Ridgeland, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,130 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,993 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,063
2025 BLS Actual
$38,986
2026 Current Est.
$41,130
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,063 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,685 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,392 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ridgeland metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,063 (2019) to $38,986 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,329 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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) | $32,841 – $36,070 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,070 – $41,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,130 – $47,994 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,994 – $50,272 |
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 Ridgeland
Considering the local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians, Ridgeland's cost of living index stands at 85.7, indicating that daily expenses are relatively lower than the national average. However, this must be taken into account alongside local salaries to understand take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty hospitals typically offer higher pay than general practice clinics, particularly for those with additional qualifications such as VTS specialty credentials. The disparity in pay can also stem from factors such as the type of facility, corporate pay scales, and additional responsibilities like leading a team or working overnight shifts. To maximize earnings in this marketplace, professionals can pursue advanced certifications, seek positions in specialty hospitals, and explore opportunities with corporate chains that may offer enhanced pay scales. As the demand for skilled veterinary staff grows, particularly post-pandemic, staying informed about the evolving landscape can significantly benefit one's career trajectory and compensation in Ridgeland MS.
More salary data for Ridgeland, 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 $38,986 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland 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