Vet Tech salary

Manhattan vs Overland Park: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Manhattan, KS
$54,449
$26.17/hr
Overland Park, KS
$46,179
$22.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricManhattan, KSOverland Park, KS
Median Salary$54,449$46,179
Hourly Rate$26.17$22.20
Entry Level (P10)$42,801$32,932
25th Percentile$42,801$36,306
75th Percentile$54,449$56,276
Top Earner (P90)$71,002$64,661
Total Employed20029
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Manhattan ($54,449) and Overland Park ($46,179) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ManhattanOverland ParkMedian Salary$54,449$46,179Entry Level (P10)$42,801$32,932Top Earner (P90)$71,002$64,661US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Manhattan and Overland Park is $8,270 (17.91%). 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 Manhattan spans $28,201,Overland Park spans $31,729. Overland Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Manhattan
P10 (Entry)$42,801
P25$42,801
Median$54,449
P75$54,449
P90 (Top)$71,002
Overland Park
P10 (Entry)$32,932
P25$36,306
Median$46,179
P75$56,276
P90 (Top)$64,661

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manhattan ($60,390 effective) pays 18.87% more than Overland Park ($50,802 effective).

Manhattan
Nominal: $54,449
CoL Index: 90.162
Adjusted: $60,390
Overland Park
Nominal: $46,179
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $50,802

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Overland Park if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Manhattan grew 39.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Overland Park over the same period.

Manhattan, KS

+39.0%

$37,140 (2019) → $51,610 (2025)

Overland Park, KS

+39.4%

$31,411 (2024) → $43,772 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Manhattan has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $54,449/year, compared to Overland Park at $46,179/year — a difference of $8,270 (17.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Overland Park?

Manhattan veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.17/hr while Overland Park hygienists earn $22.20/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Manhattan and Overland Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Manhattan = $60,390, Overland Park = $50,802), job availability (200 vs 29 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $42,801 in Manhattan and $32,932 in Overland Park. 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