Vet Tech salary

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

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

Lexington, KY
$45,819
$22.03/hr
Radcliff, KY
$42,833
$20.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLexington, KYRadcliff, KY
Median Salary$45,819$42,833
Hourly Rate$22.03$20.59
Entry Level (P10)$38,254$34,206
25th Percentile$41,377$35,851
75th Percentile$50,376$50,898
Top Earner (P90)$60,051$53,783
Total Employed5504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lexington ($45,819) and Radcliff ($42,833) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LexingtonRadcliffMedian Salary$45,819$42,833Entry Level (P10)$38,254$34,206Top Earner (P90)$60,051$53,783US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lexington and Radcliff is $2,986 (6.97%). 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 Lexington spans $21,797,Radcliff spans $19,577. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lexington
P10 (Entry)$38,254
P25$41,377
Median$45,819
P75$50,376
P90 (Top)$60,051
Radcliff
P10 (Entry)$34,206
P25$35,851
Median$42,833
P75$50,898
P90 (Top)$53,783

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($49,327 effective) pays 2.84% more than Radcliff ($47,965 effective).

Lexington
Nominal: $45,819
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $49,327
Radcliff
Nominal: $42,833
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $47,965

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Radcliff if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Lexington grew 13.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Radcliff over the same period.

Lexington, KY

+13.9%

$38,130 (2019) → $43,430 (2025)

Radcliff, KY

+39.4%

$29,135 (2024) → $40,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lexington has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $45,819/year, compared to Radcliff at $42,833/year — a difference of $2,986 (6.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Radcliff?

Lexington veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.03/hr while Radcliff hygienists earn $20.59/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lexington and Radcliff. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lexington = $49,327, Radcliff = $47,965), job availability (550 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,254 in Lexington and $34,206 in Radcliff. 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