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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Veterinary Technician in Missouri is $43,853 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $48,647 | $4,054 | $936 | $23 |
| Average | $43,853 | $3,654 | $843 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,376 | $3,365 | $776 | $19 |
Veterinary Practice Partners - Eureka, MO
Lucas Veterinary LLC - Wentzville, MO
National Veterinary Association - Riverside, MO
Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital - Eureka, MO
A Lead Veterinary Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $43,273 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $43,515 |
| Senior Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $44,239 |
| Specialist Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $46,405 |
| Expert Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $47,485 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Veterinary Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,009 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $52,623 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $48,238 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Veterinary Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $48,647 | $4,054 | $936 | $23 |
| Average | $43,853 | $3,654 | $843 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,376 | $3,365 | $776 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Veterinary Practice Partners
Independence, MO
Veterinary Practice Partners | Independence, MO
Veterinary Technician. Independence, MO. Veterinary Technician. Salary: $21.00-$25.00 per hour dependent on skills and experience, $2000 sign on bonus. Sch... more
1 Day Ago
Cat Clinic
City of Saint Peters, MO
Cat Clinic | City of Saint Peters, MO
Job Description. Job Description. Cat Clinic is a cat-only clinic owned by board certified feline specialist Dr. Brittany Cacciottoli. We need a motivated ... more
2 Days Ago
Veterinary Solut!ons Services
Independence, MO
Veterinary Solut!ons Services | Independence, MO
Veterinary Technician. Farview Veterinary Hospital is looking for a full-time or part-time credentialed Veterinary Technician to join our close-knit, fun-l... more
2 Days Ago
National Veterinary Association
Independence, MO
National Veterinary Association | Independence, MO
Veterinary Technician. City: Independence. State: Missouri. Hospital Name: Hidden Valley Animal Hospital more
2 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
O Fallon, MO
VCA Animal Hospitals | O Fallon, MO
Veterinary Technician at VCA All Creatures-Cloud Animal Hospital. Schedule: Full-time opportunity, 4 x 10-hour shifts. About Our Hospital. VCA All Creature... more
2 Days Ago
Veterinary Practice Partners
Saint Louis, MO
Veterinary Practice Partners | Saint Louis, MO
Veterinary Technician. Creve Coeur, MO. Salary: $20.00 - $26.00, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications. Schedule: This is a ... more
3 Days Ago
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