Agriculture & Environment Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Veterinary Technician Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median veterinary technician salary in Lafayette, LA is $33,660 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$33,660
vs State Avg
$-1,148
vs National
$-4,590
Cost of Living
88%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median veterinary technician salary of $33,660, which is $1,148 below the Louisiana state average of $34,808. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $33,660 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for veterinary technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Lafayette spans from $23,760 at the 10th percentile to $48,400 at the 90th percentile — a $24,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,520, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,640. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $25,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,520
$-3,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,640
$-6,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $23,760
25th Percentile $28,160
Median (50th) $33,660
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $48,400

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$37,485
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$35,190
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$32,895
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$32,513
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Lafayette

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $33,660 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $23,760 (10th percentile) to $48,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,660, a veterinary technician in Lafayette earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Lafayette's median veterinary technician salary of $33,660 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $34,808. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $33,660 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Lafayette? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Lafayette require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.