Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wildwood, MO: $42,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wildwood, MO earns a median $42,032/year (≈ $20.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wildwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $46,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood, Missouri, can expect a median annual salary of $42,032, reflecting a substantial opportunity for those who achieve credentials in specialties such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia. The salary ranges from $32,617 at the lower 10th percentile to $53,125 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for significant income variation based on expertise and experience. These figures are derived from state-level BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors, which highlights the competitive pay landscape in Wildwood while indicating that salaries here are about 15.91% lower than the national median of $49,986. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals grows, so does the potential for career advancement and increased compensation within specialized fields.
About the Wildwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,617 | $15.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,732 | $16.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,032 | $20.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,889 | $23.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,125 | $25.54 |
Median Salary Position
15.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wildwood
In Wildwood, MO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,508 (2026 est.). At $42,032, the local median is 15.91% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wildwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wildwood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wildwood median: $42,032/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wildwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,371 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.91% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wildwood, MO earn a median of $42,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.91% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $42,371.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wildwood has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wildwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,032 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,911 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,700
2025 BLS Actual
$39,841
2026 Current Est.
$42,032
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,987 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,344 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wildwood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,700 (2019) to $39,841 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,344 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,644 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wildwood 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) | $32,617 – $34,732 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,732 – $42,032 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,032 – $49,889 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,889 – $53,125 |
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 Wildwood
Wildwood's job market for veterinary technologists and technicians is modest, with only 5 professionals currently employed in the area; however, this limited workforce opens doors for those seeking opportunities in a growing field with a projected growth rate of 5.50%. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, salaries here can stretch further, providing a comfortable living relative to national standards. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals, particularly those offering emergency and specialty services, tend to offer higher pay compared to general practice clinics. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include certification levels, such as VTS specializations, as well as the pay structures of corporate veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl, which have established tiered compensation policies. To maximize earnings, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Wildwood should explore career pathways in specialty hospitals, consider additional certifications, and remain open to shifts that often come with premium pay, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this vital field.
More salary data for Wildwood, 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 $39,841 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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