Vet Tech salary

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

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

Overland Park, KS
$46,179
$22.20/hr
Topeka, KS
$47,886
$23.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOverland Park, KSTopeka, KS
Median Salary$46,179$47,886
Hourly Rate$22.20$23.02
Entry Level (P10)$32,932$31,914
25th Percentile$36,306$40,512
75th Percentile$56,276$49,237
Top Earner (P90)$64,661$58,152
Total Employed2980
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Overland Park ($46,179) and Topeka ($47,886) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Overland ParkTopekaMedian Salary$46,179$47,886Entry Level (P10)$32,932$31,914Top Earner (P90)$64,661$58,152US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Overland Park and Topeka is $1,707 (3.70%). 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 Overland Park spans $31,729,Topeka spans $26,238. Overland Park has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Overland Park
P10 (Entry)$32,932
P25$36,306
Median$46,179
P75$56,276
P90 (Top)$64,661
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 6.12% more than Overland Park ($50,802 effective).

Overland Park
Nominal: $46,179
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $50,802
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 Overland Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($64,661)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Topeka if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,886/year)
  • 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 Overland Park grew 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 61.9% growth in Topeka over the same period.

Overland Park, KS

+39.4%

$31,411 (2024) → $43,772 (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: Overland Park or Topeka?

Topeka has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,886/year, compared to Overland Park at $46,179/year — a difference of $1,707 (3.70%).

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

Overland Park veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.20/hr while Topeka hygienists earn $23.02/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Overland Park and Topeka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Overland Park = $50,802, Topeka = $53,914), job availability (29 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,932 in Overland Park and $31,914 in Topeka. The Overland Park 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