Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $23.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Topeka, KS runs $23.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,729 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $23.02, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate opens opportunities for part-time positions, particularly for those looking to work three days a week in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and teaching clinics. For per-diem workers, this structure allows for flexible scheduling, which can be ideal for those seeking to balance other commitments while still contributing to animal care. The hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level technicians starting around $15.34, while top earners can command fees up to $27.96, reflecting the growing demand for veterinary services in the area. These figures are based on projected data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of 2025, giving insight into the earning potential for those in the profession within Topeka.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.34 | $122.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.02 | $184.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.67 | $189.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.96 | $223.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $23.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.02/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $47,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,624. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $920.80 | $3,990 | $47,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.48 | $2,394 | $28,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.32 | $1,596 | $19,153 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Topeka) | $23.02 |
| 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 Topeka, KS earn a median of $47,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.20% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% above the Kansas state average of $45,433.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.02/hr = $28,729/year (purchasing power: $32,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,882/year (purchasing power: $53,909).
CoL index: 88.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+80.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Topeka grew 62.0% from $13.47/hr (2019) to $21.82/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.29/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 Topeka 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 Topeka
In considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician clocking in three days a week—approximately 24 hours—would make around $29,417 annually, a substantial income compared to full-time roles, which typically generate higher annual earnings. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Topeka can vary between $25 and $40 per hour, especially for specialized positions, with VTS-credentialed employees earning between $35 and $55 per hour to provide essential services. Those willing to work weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals can earn $30 to $50 per hour, showcasing the potential for attractive hourly earnings in a high-demand market. Furthermore, different employer types, such as corporate vet chains and specialty referral hospitals, may offer different hourly rates, which often come with the trade-off of benefits. Many technicians must weigh the decision to accept a lower hourly rate for positions that include healthcare and retirement benefits versus higher pay without these advantages. Negotiation skills can be crucial in securing the best hourly rate, particularly in Topeka’s competitive landscape for veterinary professionals.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Topeka in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Topeka?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Topeka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Topeka?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Topeka?
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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 Topeka. 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