Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbia, MO: $47,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Columbia, MO earns a median $47,275/year (≈ $22.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $52,858 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.6% above the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbia, MO, can expect a median salary of $47,275, reflecting a local compensation that is approximately 5.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 for the same year. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $38,265, while the highest can earn $64,207. This data, derived from the latest estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicates a robust pathway for those seeking to specialize in areas such as emergency care or anesthesia through the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentialing. The competitive pay and increasing job opportunities suggest that Columbia's veterinary sector is evolving, making it a promising environment for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,265 | $18.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,731 | $19.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,275 | $22.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,969 | $24.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,207 | $30.87 |
Median Salary Position
5.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,942 (2026 est.). At $47,275, the local median is 5.42% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Columbia median: $47,275/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,361 | +11.60% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -5.42% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbia, MO earn a median of $47,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 11.60% above the Missouri state average of $42,361.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 10.56% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.438 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,275 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,858 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.81% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,980
2025 BLS Actual
$44,810
2026 Current Est.
$47,275
2019–2027 Growth
+84.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,875 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 66.1% from $26,980 (2019) to $44,810 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,875 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,895 (84.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $38,265 – $39,731 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,731 – $47,275 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,275 – $51,969 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,969 – $64,207 |
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 Columbia
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians remains strong, with around 130 professionals employed in Columbia. Compared to the national cost-of-living index, which sits at 100, Columbia's index of 89.438 indicates a generally lower living expense, allowing salaries to stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Major employers in the area include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain facilities such as VCA and BluePearl, and local university teaching hospitals. The pay disparities are influenced by factors like specialty credentialing opportunities, where those with VTS qualifications in emergency and critical care or anesthesia typically command higher wages. To maximize earning potential in this market, pursuing advanced training or certifications, such as becoming a VTS, can significantly enhance salary prospects.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 $44,810 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Columbia 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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