Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $20.26 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gardner, KS runs $20.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,279 per year.

$42,135
Median Annual Salary
$20.26/hr
Hourly Rate
$34,773
Entry Level (P10)
$54,249
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Gardner, KS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Gardner, KS veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Gardner, Kansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $20.26. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03, illustrating local market dynamics. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, this rate can translate to a stable, though modest, income. Per-diem roles, which are increasingly popular in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, or university teaching hospitals, can offer more flexibility but often rely on the prevailing pay rates. For example, entry-level positions may start at approximately $16.72 per hour, reaching as high as $26.08 for top earners in the field.

About the Gardner Market

Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$16.72$133.77
Lower Range (P25)$17.34$138.75
Median (P50)$20.26$162.05
Upper Range (P75)$24.41$195.30
Top Earners (P90)$26.08$208.64

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner

Based on $20.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Gardner earning $20.26/hr would make approximately $24,307 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $42,132 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$24,307Reduced (32 hr/wk)$32,410Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$42,132

At $20.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $42,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,307. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$162.05
per 8hr shift
$810.24
per week
$3,511
per month
$42,132
per year

Schedule Comparison in Gardner

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$810.24$3,511$42,132
Part-Time (24 hrs)$486.14$2,107$25,279
Per Diem (16 hrs)$324.10$1,404$16,853

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gardner)$20.26
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Gardner ($42,135) with Kansas average ($45,453) and the US national median ($49,986).Gardner$42,135Kansas Avg$45,453-7.30%US National$49,986-15.71%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Gardner, KS earn a median of $42,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $45,453.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $20.26/hr = $25,279/year (purchasing power: $27,810).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,132/year (purchasing power: $46,350).

CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$14.31/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$19.20/hr

2026 Current Est.

$20.26/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gardner (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner. Baseline $14.31/hr in 2025, projected to $21.37/hr by 2027.$12$15$18$20$232019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$14.31$14.69$14.93$15.50$17.72$13.78$19.20$20.26$21.37
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$14.31/hrActual
2020$14.69/hrActual
2021$14.93/hrActual
2022$15.50/hrActual
2023$17.72/hrActual
2024$13.78/hrActual
2025$19.20/hrActual
2026(current)$20.26/hrEstimated
2027$21.37/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner grew 34.1% from $14.31/hr (2019) to $19.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.37/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Gardner

Earning potential varies significantly across different employment settings in Gardner. A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would bring home considerably less annually than a full-time colleague, impacting their financial stability. Per-diem veterinary technologists often command higher hourly rates, typically billing between $25 and $40, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can earn $35 to $55 per hour in specialized roles. Weekend and overnight coverage can also yield lucrative pay, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. Factors such as employer type and benefits play a crucial role in determining overall compensation; for instance, those who opt for positions with health insurance may accept lower hourly rates compared to private agency work, where individuals can potentially earn more per hour but without additional benefits. For professionals in Gardner, negotiating hourly rates is key, and staying informed about the variability across different practices can empower individuals to seek favorable terms that combine both pay and job satisfaction efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner is $20.26/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $16.72 at entry level (10th percentile) to $26.08 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 15.7% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gardner?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Gardner earns approximately $2,107/month, or $25,279/year at the median hourly rate of $20.26. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner are paid hourly at a median rate of $20.26/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $42,132/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Gardner?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Gardner earns approximately $42,132/year at the median hourly rate of $20.26. This is 15.7% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $54,246/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gardner?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Gardner sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $26.08/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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

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 Gardner. 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 Gardner is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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