Vet Tech salary

Hutchinson vs Wichita: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Hutchinson, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hutchinson, KS
$44,449
$21.37/hr
Wichita, KS
$47,095
$22.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHutchinson, KSWichita, KS
Median Salary$44,449$47,095
Hourly Rate$21.37$22.64
Entry Level (P10)$35,637$40,143
25th Percentile$37,676$41,145
75th Percentile$51,983$51,410
Top Earner (P90)$59,381$53,499
Total Employed10220
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hutchinson ($44,449) and Wichita ($47,095) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.HutchinsonWichitaMedian Salary$44,449$47,095Entry Level (P10)$35,637$40,143Top Earner (P90)$59,381$53,499US Median $49,986

Verdict

Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hutchinson.

The salary gap between Hutchinson and Wichita is $2,646 (5.95%). Wichita's median is -5.78% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hutchinson spans $23,744,Wichita spans $13,356. Hutchinson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hutchinson
P10 (Entry)$35,637
P25$37,676
Median$44,449
P75$51,983
P90 (Top)$59,381
Wichita
P10 (Entry)$40,143
P25$41,145
Median$47,095
P75$51,410
P90 (Top)$53,499

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita ($52,948 effective) pays 8.28% more than Hutchinson ($48,899 effective).

Hutchinson
Nominal: $44,449
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $48,899
Wichita
Nominal: $47,095
CoL Index: 88.946
Adjusted: $52,948

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hutchinson if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($59,381)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Wichita if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,095/year)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,948)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Hutchinson grew 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Wichita over the same period.

Hutchinson, KS

+39.4%

$30,234 (2024) → $42,132 (2025)

Wichita, KS

+35.4%

$32,960 (2019) → $44,640 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Hutchinson or Wichita?

Wichita has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,095/year, compared to Hutchinson at $44,449/year — a difference of $2,646 (5.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hutchinson and Wichita?

Hutchinson veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.37/hr while Wichita hygienists earn $22.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hutchinson to Wichita as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hutchinson and Wichita. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hutchinson = $48,899, Wichita = $52,948), job availability (10 vs 220 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Hutchinson vs Wichita?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $35,637 in Hutchinson and $40,143 in Wichita. The Wichita 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