Vet Tech salary

Lenexa vs Manhattan: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Lenexa, KS
$45,481
$21.87/hr
Manhattan, KS
$54,449
$26.17/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLenexa, KSManhattan, KS
Median Salary$45,481$54,449
Hourly Rate$21.87$26.17
Entry Level (P10)$33,432$42,801
25th Percentile$36,374$42,801
75th Percentile$55,141$54,449
Top Earner (P90)$62,871$71,002
Total Employed12200
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lenexa ($45,481) and Manhattan ($54,449) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LenexaManhattanMedian Salary$45,481$54,449Entry Level (P10)$33,432$42,801Top Earner (P90)$62,871$71,002US Median $49,986

Verdict

Manhattan, KS offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lenexa.

The salary gap between Lenexa and Manhattan is $8,968 (19.72%). Manhattan's median is +8.93% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lenexa spans $29,439,Manhattan spans $28,201. Lenexa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lenexa
P10 (Entry)$33,432
P25$36,374
Median$45,481
P75$55,141
P90 (Top)$62,871
Manhattan
P10 (Entry)$42,801
P25$42,801
Median$54,449
P75$54,449
P90 (Top)$71,002

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manhattan ($60,390 effective) pays 20.70% more than Lenexa ($50,034 effective).

Lenexa
Nominal: $45,481
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $50,034
Manhattan
Nominal: $54,449
CoL Index: 90.162
Adjusted: $60,390

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lenexa if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Manhattan if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,449/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($71,002)
  • Larger job market (200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,390)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Lenexa grew 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Manhattan over the same period.

Lenexa, KS

+39.4%

$30,936 (2024) → $43,110 (2025)

Manhattan, KS

+39.0%

$37,140 (2019) → $51,610 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Lenexa or Manhattan?

Manhattan has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $54,449/year, compared to Lenexa at $45,481/year — a difference of $8,968 (19.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lenexa and Manhattan?

Lenexa veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.87/hr while Manhattan hygienists earn $26.17/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lenexa to Manhattan as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lenexa and Manhattan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lenexa = $50,034, Manhattan = $60,390), job availability (12 vs 200 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Lenexa vs Manhattan?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,432 in Lenexa and $42,801 in Manhattan. The Manhattan 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