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

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
New Orleans, LA$38,988$18.74/hr$25,568$56,959118

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Louisiana vs National Average

Veterinary Technician Salary Comparison

Louisiana Average$38,988
National Average$43,740
Difference-$4,752 (-10.9%)

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

Veterinary Technician Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Veterinary Technician salaries in Louisiana with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

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.