Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Jefferson City, MO: $42,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Jefferson City, MO earns a median $42,306/year (≈ $20.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Jefferson City's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.0), that paycheck buys what $48,089 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jefferson City, Missouri, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $42,306 according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. The salary range for this role spans from $32,642 at the 10th percentile to $49,290 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the disparities based on experience, specialized skills, and the types of employers in the area. Compared to the national median of $49,986, local salaries trend approximately 15.36% lower. Given the presence of corporate veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl, as well as general practice clinics, the job market in Jefferson City demonstrates competitive pay structures, with opportunities rising as the demand for skilled veterinary staff continues to grow.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,642 | $15.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,782 | $18.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,306 | $20.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,087 | $23.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,290 | $23.70 |
Median Salary Position
15.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jefferson City
In Jefferson City, MO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,648 (2026 est.). At $42,306, the local median is 15.36% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Jefferson City: You'd be above the median
How Jefferson City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Jefferson City median: $42,306/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jefferson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,348 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.36% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $42,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.36% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Missouri state average of $42,348.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jefferson City has a cost of living 12.03% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jefferson City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 87.975 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,306 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,089 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,893
2025 BLS Actual
$40,100
2026 Current Est.
$42,306
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,632 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jefferson City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,893 (2019) to $40,100 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,632 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,739 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jefferson City 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) | $32,642 – $38,782 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,782 – $42,306 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,306 – $48,087 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,087 – $49,290 |
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 Jefferson City
The local job market employs around 50 veterinary technologists and technicians, highlighting a niche yet steady demand in the region. Jefferson City's cost of living index stands at 87.975, suggesting that housing and other living expenses are relatively lower than the national average, which can improve take-home purchasing power. In the context of salary, corporate veterinary hospitals generally offer higher pay rates compared to general practices. Specialization also plays a significant role in compensation, with credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care or Anesthesia commanding higher wages. Those positioned in specialty or referral hospitals often see greater financial rewards, influenced by factors like shift differentials and leadership roles. For those entering this career path in Jefferson City, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment with larger corporate chains may present the best strategies for maximizing salary potential.
More salary data for Jefferson City, 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 $40,100 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Jefferson City 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, 5-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