Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hays, KS: $35,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,753 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,542) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Hays, Kansas can expect a starting salary around $35,753. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, it is worth noting that many early-career professionals may experience gradual increases as they gain experience and responsibilities. With the median annual salary for this role in Hays projected at $42,542, newcomers can anticipate a gap that narrows significantly over the first few years of service. Entry-level salaries will likely rise through percentiles, with progress to $36,933 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as they develop their skills. Given the region's growing demand for veterinary technicians, Hays presents a favorable market for recent graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Hays, KS typically start between $35,753 and $36,933 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,221 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,542 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Kansas of $18,000 represents just 50.35% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($35,753/year) in Hays. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $35,753 to $36,933, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hays, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Hays is $18,221 ( 50.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,753, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,974.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,279
2025 BLS Actual
$33,889
2026 Current Est.
$35,753
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,279 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,219 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,719 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,279 in 2019 to $33,889 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,719. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Hays
Opportunities for entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians in Hays are predominantly found in general practice clinics, which are known for actively hiring new graduates and providing valuable on-the-job training. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl offer additional advantages such as structured mentorship programs and sign-on bonuses, enhancing the appeal of these positions for recent graduates. Attaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE, and obtaining state certification (CVT, RVT, or LVT) can further improve starting pay. As the vet tech workforce shortage continues to escalate, first-year salaries in this field may rise more rapidly than expected, potentially reflecting increases observed in other markets over the past few years. Those who pursue VTS specialty credentialing can command salaries of $30-$45+/hour within a few years. In this context, Hays not only supports new grad veterinary technologist and technician pay but also fosters career advancement opportunities for those willing to invest in their professional development.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Hays?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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