Vet Tech salary

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

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

Hopkinsville, KY
$43,497
$20.91/hr
Lexington, KY
$45,819
$22.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHopkinsville, KYLexington, KY
Median Salary$43,497$45,819
Hourly Rate$20.91$22.03
Entry Level (P10)$32,497$38,254
25th Percentile$34,977$41,377
75th Percentile$51,671$50,376
Top Earner (P90)$57,669$60,051
Total Employed6550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hopkinsville ($43,497) and Lexington ($45,819) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.HopkinsvilleLexingtonMedian Salary$43,497$45,819Entry Level (P10)$32,497$38,254Top Earner (P90)$57,669$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 Hopkinsville.

The salary gap between Hopkinsville and Lexington is $2,322 (5.34%). 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 Hopkinsville spans $25,172,Lexington spans $21,797. Hopkinsville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hopkinsville
P10 (Entry)$32,497
P25$34,977
Median$43,497
P75$51,671
P90 (Top)$57,669
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 1.27% more than Hopkinsville ($48,709 effective).

Hopkinsville
Nominal: $43,497
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $48,709
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 Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville grew 39.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.

Hopkinsville, KY

+39.3%

$29,587 (2024) → $41,229 (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: Hopkinsville or Lexington?

Lexington has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $45,819/year, compared to Hopkinsville at $43,497/year — a difference of $2,322 (5.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hopkinsville and Lexington?

Hopkinsville veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.91/hr while Lexington hygienists earn $22.03/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hopkinsville and Lexington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hopkinsville = $48,709, Lexington = $49,327), job availability (6 vs 550 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,497 in Hopkinsville 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