Vet Tech salary

Elizabethtown vs Lexington: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elizabethtown, KY
$43,622
$20.97/hr
Lexington, KY
$45,819
$22.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElizabethtown, KYLexington, KY
Median Salary$43,622$45,819
Hourly Rate$20.97$22.03
Entry Level (P10)$32,751$38,254
25th Percentile$35,232$41,377
75th Percentile$50,994$50,376
Top Earner (P90)$58,079$60,051
Total Employed5550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elizabethtown ($43,622) and Lexington ($45,819) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ElizabethtownLexingtonMedian Salary$43,622$45,819Entry Level (P10)$32,751$38,254Top Earner (P90)$58,079$60,051US Median $49,986

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.

The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Lexington is $2,197 (5.04%). Lexington's median is -8.34% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $25,328,Lexington spans $21,797. Elizabethtown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Elizabethtown
P10 (Entry)$32,751
P25$35,232
Median$43,622
P75$50,994
P90 (Top)$58,079
Lexington
P10 (Entry)$38,254
P25$41,377
Median$45,819
P75$50,376
P90 (Top)$60,051

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($49,327 effective) pays 0.98% more than Elizabethtown ($48,849 effective).

Elizabethtown
Nominal: $43,622
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $48,849
Lexington
Nominal: $45,819
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $49,327

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elizabethtown if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,819/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,051)
  • Larger job market (550 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,327)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Elizabethtown grew 42.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.

Elizabethtown, KY

+42.0%

$29,120 (2021) → $41,348 (2025)

Lexington, KY

+13.9%

$38,130 (2019) → $43,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Elizabethtown or Lexington?

Lexington has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $45,819/year, compared to Elizabethtown at $43,622/year — a difference of $2,197 (5.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Lexington?

Elizabethtown veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.97/hr while Lexington hygienists earn $22.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Lexington as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elizabethtown and Lexington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elizabethtown = $48,849, Lexington = $49,327), job availability (5 vs 550 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Elizabethtown vs Lexington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,751 in Elizabethtown and $38,254 in Lexington. The Lexington area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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