Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Tupelo, MS: $42,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Tupelo, MS earns a median $42,423/year (≈ $20.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $49,502 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Tupelo, Mississippi, can expect a median annual salary of $42,423, which is about 15.13% lower than the national median of $49,986. Salaries range from $31,560 at the 10th percentile to $53,578 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for experienced professionals, especially those pursuing Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in areas such as emergency and critical care or anesthesia. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences, highlight the opportunities for techs to elevate their earnings by obtaining specialty certifications and working in high-demand environments such as specialty hospitals.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,560 | $15.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,599 | $17.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,423 | $20.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,234 | $24.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,578 | $25.76 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,018 (2026 est.). At $42,423, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tupelo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tupelo Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $42,423/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $42,851 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.13% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $42,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $42,851.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo 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.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,423 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,502 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,976
2025 BLS Actual
$40,211
2026 Current Est.
$42,423
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,774 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,274 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,756 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,976 (2019) to $40,211 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,756 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,780 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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) | $31,560 – $36,599 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,599 – $42,423 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,423 – $50,234 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,234 – $53,578 |
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 Tupelo
Tupelo's job market currently employs only seven veterinary technologists and technicians, which presents both opportunities and challenges for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the financial reality allows for a favorable take-home purchasing power compared to the national average. Employers offering higher salaries typically include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where pay scales differ significantly from general practice settings. The wide salary range reflects the additional compensation available for those with VTS specialties, shift differentials, and lead or mentor roles. To maximize earning potential in Tupelo's veterinary landscape, it is advisable for candidates to pursue advanced certifications and seek positions in specialized clinics or 24-hour emergency facilities, where higher demand often translates to increased pay.
More salary data for Tupelo, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tupelo, MS in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Tupelo?
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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 $40,211 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Tupelo 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 Tupelo 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