Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Manhattan, KS: $26.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Manhattan, KS runs $26.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Manhattan's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,666 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Manhattan, Kansas, the current veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $26.17 for 2026, marking a notable advantage over the national median of $24.03 per hour. This attractive pay rate can benefit individuals who work part-time, such as on a three-day workweek schedule, allowing them to maintain a balanced lifestyle while still contributing to the critical care of animals in settings like general practice clinics, specialty emergency care units, university veterinary hospitals, and even zoo medical facilities. Entry-level positions start at an hourly wage of $20.57, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $34.14 per hour, illustrating the earning potential available within the profession in this region. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.57 | $164.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.57 | $164.58 |
| Median (P50) | $26.17 | $209.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.17 | $209.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.14 | $273.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manhattan
Based on $26.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manhattan, KS can expect to earn approximately $54,443 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,409. With a cost-of-living index of 90.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manhattan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manhattan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,046.98 | $4,537 | $54,443 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.19 | $2,722 | $32,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.79 | $1,815 | $21,777 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Manhattan) | $26.17 |
| 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 Manhattan, KS earn a median of $54,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 19.80% above the Kansas state average of $45,450.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.17/hr = $32,666/year (purchasing power: $36,230).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,443/year (purchasing power: $60,384).
CoL index: 90.162 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manhattan grew 39.0% from $17.85/hr (2019) to $24.81/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.61/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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Looking at the earning potential for different work arrangements, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can take home a substantial income, although it may not reach the levels of full-time counterparts. The per diem work environment adds another layer of flexibility, with many workers in Manhattan charging between $25 to $40 per hour, making it a viable option for those looking to boost their income. Furthermore, Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) often command hourly rates between $35-$55, particularly in high-demand areas such as weekend or overnight emergency shifts. The local employer landscape is diverse, including general practices, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, specialty hospitals, educational institutions, and research labs, each offering varying pay scales. Many technicians face a decision between accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance or pursuing higher independent contracts with no fringe benefits. For those in the market, negotiating rates based on experience and specialization, especially in a city facing workforce shortages, can make a significant difference in overall compensation.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manhattan in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Manhattan?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Manhattan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Manhattan?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Manhattan?
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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 Manhattan. 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