Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Derby, KS: $21.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Derby, KS runs $21.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Derby's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,886 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.54 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate significantly impacts those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, commonly found in various settings including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoo facilities. For per-diem workers, employed in urgent care environments or on an as-needed basis, the appeal lies in the variation: entry-level positions may command about $16.52 an hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $27.79. These rates are estimated from corresponding annual salaries, reflecting the wide-ranging experiences of technicians and technologists in diverse veterinary environments.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.52 | $132.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.64 | $141.12 |
| Median (P50) | $21.54 | $172.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.86 | $206.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.79 | $222.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Derby
Based on $21.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.54/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Derby, KS can expect to earn approximately $44,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,852. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Derby.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Derby
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $861.72 | $3,734 | $44,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $517.03 | $2,240 | $26,886 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.69 | $1,494 | $17,924 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Derby) | $21.54 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Derby, KS earn a median of $44,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,441.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.54/hr = $26,886/year (purchasing power: $29,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,810/year (purchasing power: $49,296).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Derby grew 34.1% from $15.22/hr (2019) to $20.42/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Derby
When analyzing the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Derby, those working part-time may find their annual take-home significantly lower than full-time counterparts. For instance, a part-time worker operating 24 hours a week would earn a considerably different amount than their full-time peers. Per-diem veterinary technologists often command anywhere from $25 to $40 an hour, with specialty technicians achieving rates between $35 and $55. Additionally, weekend or overnight shifts in emergency settings might offer a premium, ranging from $30 to $50 an hour in areas experiencing shortages. The pay structure also varies by employer type — those at corporate chain hospitals often have fixed pay scales, while specialty hospitals may offer negotiation opportunities that consider benefits such as health insurance versus higher hourly wages without those perks. For local workers, understanding regional conditions and demand can lead to more strategic negotiations regarding their hourly rates in Derby, KS.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Derby in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Derby?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Derby paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Derby?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Derby?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Derby. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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