Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $20.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Liberal, KS runs $20.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is set at a median rate of $20.37, which positions it below the national hourly median of $24.03. This wage reflects the unique demand dynamics within the community, highlighting a market that offers opportunities both for full-time positions and for part-time or per-diem roles. Those working part-time (around three days a week) in settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or research facilities can expect to earn from $16.92 as entry-level to $26.45 for experienced technicians. This creates a diverse landscape where professional growth hinges on expertise, credentialing, and the specific type of veterinary practices available in Liberal.
About the Liberal 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) | $16.92 | $135.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.59 | $140.69 |
| Median (P50) | $20.37 | $162.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.51 | $188.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.45 | $211.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $20.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $42,374 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,446. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $814.88 | $3,531 | $42,374 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $488.93 | $2,119 | $25,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $325.95 | $1,412 | $16,950 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Liberal) | $20.37 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $42,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $45,420.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.37/hr = $25,424/year (purchasing power: $27,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,374/year (purchasing power: $46,616).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Liberal grew 34.1% from $14.39/hr (2019) to $19.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.49/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Liberal have varied earning potentials, particularly when considering part-time schedules. For those working 24 hours a week, earnings can quickly fall below full-time counterparts, potentially leading to annual takes that accentuate the need for additional hours or alternative roles. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in the region reflects a broader trend, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on training and specialization. VTS-credentialed specialists may command between $35 and $55 per hour in niche settings, while weekend and overnight emergency care roles can yield rates as high as $30 to $50 per hour for acute staffing shortages. Such dynamics present both benefits and challenges for professionals: while a higher hourly rate at certain jobs may not come with benefits, the trade-off can favor those seeking insurance and consistent hours. Negotiating salaries in Liberal often requires being aware of employer types, with corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl typically offering structured pay and benefits compared to independent practices, making it essential for technologists to understand their worth in this evolving market.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Liberal in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Liberal?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Liberal paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Liberal?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Liberal?
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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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