Average Veterinary Technician Salary in Louisiana
Veterinary Technicians in Louisiana earn an average of $38,988 per year across 1 metro area. This is +10.9% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$38,988
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.74
per hour
vs National
-10.9%
$43,740 national
Salary Range
$25,568
to $56,959
About Veterinary Technician Careers in Louisiana
Veterinary technicians (vet techs) are the clinical backbone of companion animal and large animal veterinary practices — performing diagnostic tests, anesthetizing and monitoring surgical patients, administering medications, and assisting veterinarians during procedures. The BLS reports a national median annual wage of $38,240 for veterinary technologists and technicians, though the range is wide: specialty and emergency hospital techs, particularly those with AVECCT or VTS credentials in anesthesia or emergency medicine, earn substantially more. Demand is strong and growing — pet ownership expanded dramatically during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, driving unprecedented patient volume at veterinary clinics nationally.
In Louisiana, veterinary technicians earn an average of $38,988 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $25,568 for entry-level roles to $56,959 for the most experienced professionals — +10.9% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice type — specialty/emergency hospitals (cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery) pay significantly above general practice; 24-hour emergency clinics often offer premium pay for overnight and weekend coverage, vts credential — veterinary technician specialists in anesthesia, ecc, or dentistry earn $15,000–$30,000 above non-credentialed general practice techs, and the specific metro area within Louisiana.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$38,988
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$42,844
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Louisiana's cost of living (below average), a Veterinary Technician's salary of $38,988 has the purchasing power of $42,844 in an average-cost area.
Veterinary Technician Salary by City in Louisiana
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | $38,988 | $18.74/hr | $25,568 | $56,959 | 118 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Louisiana vs National Average
Veterinary Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in Louisiana
There are approximately 118 Veterinary Technicians employed across 1 metro area in Louisiana.
Key Industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Shipping & Ports
State Income Tax: 1.85% - 4.25%
Veterinary Technician Salary Range in Louisiana
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$25,568
Starting salary for new Veterinary Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$38,988
Mid-career Veterinary Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$56,959
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Louisiana
Nurse Practitioner
$113,619
avg in LA
+$74,631 vs Veterinary Technician
Registered Nurse
$85,594
avg in LA
+$46,606 vs Veterinary Technician
Dental Hygienist
$81,060
avg in LA
+$42,072 vs Veterinary Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,331
avg in LA
+$16,343 vs Veterinary Technician
Nursing Assistant
$34,401
avg in LA
-$4,587 vs Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Veterinary Technician salaries in Louisiana with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Veterinary Technician Data
More Louisiana Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Technician salary in Louisiana?
The average Veterinary Technician salary in Louisiana is $38,988 per year ($18.74/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 10.9% below the national average of $43,740.
What is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in Louisiana?
New Orleans, LA is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in Louisiana, with a median salary of $38,988 per year.
What is the salary range for Veterinary Technicians in Louisiana?
Veterinary Technician salaries in Louisiana range from $25,568 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $56,959 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $38,988 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Louisiana. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.