Vet Tech salary

Junction City vs Topeka: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Junction City, KS
$42,849
$20.60/hr
Topeka, KS
$47,886
$23.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJunction City, KSTopeka, KS
Median Salary$42,849$47,886
Hourly Rate$20.60$23.02
Entry Level (P10)$32,935$31,914
25th Percentile$37,582$40,512
75th Percentile$51,623$49,237
Top Earner (P90)$54,943$58,152
Total Employed680
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Junction City ($42,849) and Topeka ($47,886) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Junction CityTopekaMedian Salary$42,849$47,886Entry Level (P10)$32,935$31,914Top Earner (P90)$54,943$58,152US Median $49,986

Verdict

Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Junction City.

The salary gap between Junction City and Topeka is $5,037 (11.76%). Topeka's median is -4.20% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Junction City spans $22,008,Topeka spans $26,238. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Junction City
P10 (Entry)$32,935
P25$37,582
Median$42,849
P75$51,623
P90 (Top)$54,943
Topeka
P10 (Entry)$31,914
P25$40,512
Median$47,886
P75$49,237
P90 (Top)$58,152

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($53,914 effective) pays 14.37% more than Junction City ($47,139 effective).

Junction City
Nominal: $42,849
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $47,139
Topeka
Nominal: $47,886
CoL Index: 88.82
Adjusted: $53,914

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Junction City if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Topeka if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,886/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,152)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,914)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Junction City grew 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 61.9% growth in Topeka over the same period.

Junction City, KS

+39.4%

$29,146 (2024) → $40,615 (2025)

Topeka, KS

+61.9%

$28,030 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Junction City or Topeka?

Topeka has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,886/year, compared to Junction City at $42,849/year — a difference of $5,037 (11.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Junction City and Topeka?

Junction City veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.60/hr while Topeka hygienists earn $23.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Junction City to Topeka as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Junction City and Topeka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Junction City = $47,139, Topeka = $53,914), job availability (6 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Junction City vs Topeka?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,935 in Junction City and $31,914 in Topeka. The Junction City 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