Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Joplin, MO: $41,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Joplin, MO earns a median $41,229/year (≈ $19.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Joplin's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $48,098 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median annual salary of $41,229 in 2026, which represents a decline of 17.52% compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range in the area spans from as low as $32,083 at the 10th percentile to as high as $48,045 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying levels of compensation depending on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlight the potential financial advantages for those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) pathway, particularly in emergency and critical care or anesthesia specialties. As the market for veterinary professionals in Joplin evolves, acquiring advanced certifications can open doors to higher earning opportunities in this critical sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,083 | $15.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,056 | $18.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,229 | $19.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,021 | $20.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,045 | $23.09 |
Median Salary Position
17.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joplin
In Joplin, MO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,962 (2026 est.). At $41,229, the local median is 17.52% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Joplin: You'd be above the median
How Joplin Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Joplin median: $41,229/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joplin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,373 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -17.52% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Joplin, MO earn a median of $41,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.52% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% below the Missouri state average of $42,373.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joplin has a cost of living 14.28% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Joplin, MO has a cost-of-living index of 85.718 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,229 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,098 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,480
2025 BLS Actual
$39,080
2026 Current Est.
$41,229
2019–2027 Growth
+29.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,497 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joplin metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 16.7% from $33,480 (2019) to $39,080 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,497 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,017 (29.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joplin 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) | $32,083 – $39,056 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,056 – $41,229 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,229 – $42,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,021 – $48,045 |
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 Joplin
The job market in Joplin shows a steady demand with around 40 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed, a promising sign for job seekers in this field. The cost of living index in Joplin rests at 85.718, which is below the national average, suggesting that salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer the most competitive wages, particularly for those with VTS credentials. The pay disparities often stem from factors such as specialization, experience level, and the type of facility. Those pursuing a path in emergency and critical care, for instance, typically enjoy higher pay scales. For veterinary technologists and technicians in Joplin, focusing on securing relevant specialties and pursuing roles in high-demand settings can significantly enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Joplin, MO in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Joplin?
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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 $39,080 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Joplin 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