Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hays, KS: $20.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hays, KS runs $20.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hays's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,530 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Hays, KS, can expect a median hourly rate of $20.46 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03. This difference indicates a variety of employment opportunities for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a part-time worker logging around three days a week could earn about $20,643 annually, while those in full-time positions might see earnings that more appropriately reflect typical living expenses in the area. The hourly wage range here varies from $17.19 to $25.95, which provides entry-level positions a foothold while allowing seasoned professionals to achieve higher earnings in settings such as specialty hospitals or research facilities.
About the Hays 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) | $17.19 | $137.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.76 | $142.05 |
| Median (P50) | $20.46 | $163.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.45 | $195.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.95 | $207.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hays
Based on $20.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hays, KS can expect to earn approximately $42,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,548. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hays.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hays
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $818.26 | $3,546 | $42,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.95 | $2,127 | $25,530 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.30 | $1,418 | $17,020 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hays) | $20.46 |
| 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 Hays, KS earn a median of $42,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,451.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.46/hr = $25,530/year (purchasing power: $28,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,549/year (purchasing power: $46,809).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hays grew 34.1% from $14.45/hr (2019) to $19.39/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.58/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Hays
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Hays typically benefit from the flexibility to pursue other interests or educational opportunities. However, they might face a significant gap in annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts, who generally enjoy more comprehensive benefits. Per-diem technicians often command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized roles, particularly in emergency and critical care, offering rates as high as $50 due to increased demand. While general practice clinics tend to offer lower hourly pay compared to specialty hospitals and corporate chains like VCA, the trade-off often comes down to benefits versus hourly pay. Those accepting lower rates in exchange for health insurance find stability, while others might prioritize higher rates without benefits. For anyone negotiating pay in Hays, emphasizing skill certifications, such as VTS credentials or specialty training, can boost bargaining power significantly in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hays in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hays?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hays paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hays?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hays?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Hays. 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 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