Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $23.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lawrence, KS runs $23.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,269 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,559 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lawrence, KS, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $23.68 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time positions and those seeking part-time or per-diem work, such as in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or university veterinary clinics. For part-time workers putting in three days a week, the hourly wage translates into meaningful supplemental income, while per-diem opportunities, which allow for greater schedule flexibility, can be particularly lucrative. In terms of hourly ranges, entry-level positions may start around $18.53, while top earners can secure up to $28.83 per hour, showcasing a diverse earning potential across various practice settings, as reflected in official BLS hourly data.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.53 | $148.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.34 | $170.74 |
| Median (P50) | $23.68 | $189.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.57 | $204.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.83 | $230.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $23.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $49,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,422. With a cost-of-living index of 90.24 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $947.39 | $4,105 | $49,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.43 | $2,463 | $29,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.96 | $1,642 | $19,706 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lawrence) | $23.68 |
| 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 Lawrence, KS earn a median of $49,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.43% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.40% above the Kansas state average of $45,451.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.68/hr = $29,559/year (purchasing power: $32,754).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,264/year (purchasing power: $54,591).
CoL index: 90.243 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+64.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lawrence grew 47.8% from $15.19/hr (2019) to $22.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.99/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Looking deeper into the earning landscape, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 24-hour week will take home a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time roles. However, per-diem or agency work offers a different reality altogether; it is common for per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Lawrence to range from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed technicians often commanding even higher rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Hospitals may offer weekend and overnight shifts at competitive rates, often between $30 and $50 per hour, especially in markets experiencing staffing shortages. The hourly rates can vary widely by employer type, with corporate veterinary chains and specialty hospitals generally offering different scales. It’s crucial for veterinary technologists and technicians to consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, as some may prefer a higher hourly wage without benefits, while others might choose stability with lower pay in exchange for health coverage. Negotiating salaries in this field can be advantageous, particularly for those with VTS specialties or additional certifications, and local market conditions can create opportunities for higher pay when strategically pursued.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lawrence?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lawrence?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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