Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kansas City, KS runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,466 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kansas City, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $23.61, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate can provide significant earnings for both full-time positions and part-time roles, with part-time workers typically operating on a schedule of three days a week. The pay range within this profession in Kansas City spans from $16.84 at the entry level to $31.53 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures are essential for understanding compensation in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, zoos, and pharmaceutical research facilities. It's crucial to note that these estimates stem from annual salary data, helping to contextualize what veterinary technologists and technicians can expect in terms of hourly earnings.
About the Kansas 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) | $16.84 | $134.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.57 | $148.54 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.78 | $230.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.53 | $252.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $49,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,333. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.44 | $4,093 | $49,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.66 | $2,456 | $29,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.77 | $1,637 | $19,644 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kansas City) | $23.61 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $49,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.74% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.10% above the Kansas state average of $45,434.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.61/hr = $29,466/year (purchasing power: $32,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,111/year (purchasing power: $54,027).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City grew 34.1% from $16.68/hr (2019) to $22.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.91/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
Looking deeper into the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working three days a week could anticipate an annual income around $30,685, which is substantially lower than full-time workers. Per-diem and agency roles offer even broader earning landscapes, with compensation ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general work, while specialty credentialed technicians can command $35 to $55 per hour. During critical hours like weekends and overnight shifts, rates may escalate to $30-$50 per hour, which is attractive for those looking to maximize earnings through flexible schedules. It’s also important to consider the variances in pay based on employer types, such as private clinics versus corporate chains like VCA or specialty referral hospitals. Accepting lower hourly rates for full-time positions might come with benefits such as health insurance, whereas higher hourly opportunities may not offer such perks. For those looking to negotiate in Kansas City, focusing on both pay and benefits will be key to maximizing total compensation in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kansas City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kansas City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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