Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Southaven, MS: $42,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Southaven, MS earns a median $42,140/year (≈ $20.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Southaven's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $49,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southaven, Mississippi, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $42,140 in 2026, reflecting a notable gap compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this profession in the area extends from $33,171 at the 10th percentile to $54,106 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for variation based on experience, credentials, and specific job responsibilities. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, highlight the reality of salary dynamics in the local market. With 14 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Southaven, the earnings landscape suggests that those working in specialty hospitals may command higher salaries than their counterparts in general practice settings, reinforcing the importance of structural job choices in shaping compensation.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,171 | $15.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,349 | $17.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,140 | $20.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,209 | $24.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,106 | $26.02 |
Median Salary Position
15.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southaven
In Southaven, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,935 (2026 est.). At $42,140, the local median is 15.7% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southaven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Southaven Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Southaven median: $42,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,825 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.70% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Southaven, MS earn a median of $42,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $42,825.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southaven 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.
Southaven, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,140 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,776
2025 BLS Actual
$39,943
2026 Current Est.
$42,140
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,776 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,568 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,066 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,238 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,458 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southaven metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,776 (2019) to $39,943 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,458 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,682 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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) | $33,171 – $35,349 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,349 – $42,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,140 – $50,209 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,209 – $54,106 |
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 Southaven
Examining the local job market reveals a cost of living index of 85.7, indicating that Southaven has lower living expenses compared to national averages, which can enhance the effective purchasing power of veterinary technologists and technicians. As such, opportunities at corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, as well as specialty referral hospitals, tend to offer better compensation packages. Factors driving pay differences include credentials such as the VTS specialty in emergency care, anesthesia, or internal medicine, which can significantly elevate earning potential. Furthermore, positions in 24-hour emergency care may offer shift differentials that enhance base pay. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Southaven, pursuing specialty certifications and considering employment with corporate entities can be strategic moves in a competitive field.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Southaven?
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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 $39,943 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Southaven 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 Southaven 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