Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Starkville, MS: $41,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Starkville, MS earns a median $41,658/year (≈ $20.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Starkville's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $48,609 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Starkville, Mississippi, the projected annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $41,658, reflecting a significant difference compared to the national median of $49,986. These professionals can expect to earn between $30,936 at the lower end (P10) and up to $52,496 (P90) at the higher end of the pay scale. This salary range suggests that those working in specialty referral hospitals may command higher salaries than their counterparts in general practice settings due to the specialized skills required. The numbers presented derive from state-level BLS data, with adjustments made for regional cost considerations, indicating a tailored approach to understanding local compensation. Within the context of Starkville's job market, the choice between working in a general practice versus a specialty facility can significantly influence one's earning potential.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,936 | $14.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,931 | $17.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,658 | $20.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,352 | $23.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,496 | $25.24 |
Median Salary Position
16.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Starkville
In Starkville, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,560 (2026 est.). At $41,658, the local median is 16.66% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Starkville: You'd be above the median
How Starkville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Starkville median: $41,658/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Starkville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,858 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -16.66% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Starkville, MS earn a median of $41,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $42,858.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Starkville 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.
Starkville, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,658 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,609 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,435
2025 BLS Actual
$39,486
2026 Current Est.
$41,658
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,435 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,219 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,486 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,949 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Starkville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,435 (2019) to $39,486 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,949 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,514 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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) | $30,936 – $35,931 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,931 – $41,658 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,658 – $49,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,352 – $52,496 |
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 Starkville
On the employment front, there are currently five veterinary technologists and technicians in Starkville, MS, which hints at a relatively small local job market. The cost of living index in Starkville sits at 85.7, indicating a below-average cost scenario that enhances the purchasing power of veterinary professionals despite lower salaries compared to national figures. Among the employers, corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl often provide competitive pay scales, but specialty hospitals may offer the highest wages, particularly for those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials. Understanding the variations in pay can be essential for technicians aiming to maximize their income; leveraging specialized training and considering roles in high-demand areas like emergency care or anesthesia can be effective strategies in the Starkville market. Moreover, engaging in continuous education and seeking mentorship opportunities can help elevate a technician’s status and salary potential within this evolving field.
More salary data for Starkville, 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 $39,486 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Starkville 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 Starkville 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