Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dodge City, KS: $20.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dodge City, KS runs $20.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dodge City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,793 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dodge City, Kansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $20.67. This is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03, illustrating the local market's unique characteristics. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,400 monthly before taxes, making it a feasible option for individuals seeking flexibility. The profession's hourly range extends from $16.14 for entry-level positions to a maximum of $26.28 for top earners, which highlights the opportunities for career advancement within various medical settings, including general practice clinics and specialty hospitals. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly figures are estimates based on projected annual salaries and provide a snapshot of potential earnings for both full-time and part-time roles.
About the Dodge City 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) | $16.14 | $129.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.14 | $137.15 |
| Median (P50) | $20.67 | $165.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.58 | $196.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.28 | $210.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dodge City
Based on $20.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dodge City, KS can expect to earn approximately $42,988 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,801. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dodge City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dodge City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $826.70 | $3,582 | $42,988 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $496.02 | $2,149 | $25,793 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.68 | $1,433 | $17,195 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dodge City) | $20.67 |
| 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 Dodge City, KS earn a median of $42,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,440.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.67/hr = $25,793/year (purchasing power: $28,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,988/year (purchasing power: $47,292).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dodge City grew 34.1% from $14.60/hr (2019) to $19.59/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.80/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 Dodge City 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 Dodge City
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 24-hour week can expect to earn about $29,201 annually, which is considerably lower than full-time counterparts, emphasizing the financial implications of part-time work. Per-diem or agency workers in this field can potentially command higher pay, often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, especially for those with VTS credentials specializing in areas like surgery or emergency care, where their rates can escalate to $35-$55 per hour. In Dodge City's diverse employment landscape, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer: general practices may offer lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals that require specialized skills. Factors such as health benefits often lead professionals to choose lower-paying positions that provide stability over higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiation remains crucial for hourly workers, particularly in settings overwhelmed by workforce shortages; understanding market demand and being willing to discuss rates openly can empower technicians to secure more favorable compensation.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dodge City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dodge City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dodge City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Dodge City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dodge City?
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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 Dodge City. 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 Dodge City 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