Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Salina, KS: $21.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Salina, KS runs $21.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Salina's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,385 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.14, notably lower than the national average of $24.03. This disparity raises considerations for those engaging in part-time or per-diem work settings common in veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. Working three days a week could yield around $27,500 annually, while those in per-diem positions might find varying rates depending on their skill level and the facility type, with the hourly range stretching from $17.29 for entry-level roles to $26.49 for seasoned professionals. Such pay structures offer an entry point into a fulfilling career while reflecting the broader challenges of veterinary healthcare compensation in Salina, where skills and responsibilities significantly influence pay.
About the Salina 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) | $17.29 | $138.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.10 | $144.83 |
| Median (P50) | $21.14 | $169.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.90 | $199.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.49 | $211.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salina
Based on $21.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.14/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salina, KS can expect to earn approximately $43,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,371. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $845.69 | $3,665 | $43,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $507.41 | $2,199 | $26,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.28 | $1,466 | $17,590 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Salina) | $21.14 |
| 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 Salina, KS earn a median of $43,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $45,419.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.14/hr = $26,385/year (purchasing power: $29,027).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,976/year (purchasing power: $48,378).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina grew 34.1% from $14.94/hr (2019) to $20.04/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.31/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 Salina 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 Salina
Exploiting the earning potential as a veterinary technologist or technician in Salina depends heavily on the work arrangement and employer type. Part-time employees can expect a steady stream of income while retaining work-life balance, but full-time positions often secure better benefits, which is a major trade-off in this field. Those seeking per-diem or agency roles can typically command rates between $25 and $40 per hour; certified specialists may achieve earnings of $35 to $55 hourly, particularly in critical care settings during off-peak hours. Watering down job security, some prefer full-time roles with benefits over higher pay without insurance. In Salina's competitive market, negotiating for salary based on industry standards—particularly in veterinary hospitals versus corporate chains—can help maximize income, particularly given the recent wage increases prompted by a nationwide shortage of vet tech professionals.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salina?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Salina?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salina?
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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 Salina. 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 Salina 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