Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bowling Green, KY: $18.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bowling Green, KY runs $18.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bowling Green's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,765 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is estimated at $18.24 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, which positions the local market about 24.10% behind the national average. Such an hourly pay rate can significantly influence part-time workers or per-diem staff, who often find themselves in varied settings like general practice treatment areas, emergency and critical care wards, and even research laboratories. The pay range here spans from $14.24 at the entry-level to $24.15 for experienced professionals, highlighting opportunities for advancement based on skills and specializations. Being aware of this hourly landscape can aid veterinary technologists and technicians in making informed decisions whether looking for full-time or flexible, per-diem roles.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.24 | $113.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.28 | $122.21 |
| Median (P50) | $18.24 | $145.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.52 | $180.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.15 | $193.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowling Green
Based on $18.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.24/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowling Green, KY can expect to earn approximately $37,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,889. With a cost-of-living index of 90.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bowling Green.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowling Green
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $729.64 | $3,162 | $37,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.78 | $1,897 | $22,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.86 | $1,265 | $15,176 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bowling Green) | $18.24 |
| 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 Bowling Green, KY earn a median of $37,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.10% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 15.00% below the Kentucky state average of $44,633.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.24/hr = $22,765/year (purchasing power: $25,244).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,941/year (purchasing power: $42,073).
CoL index: 90.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bowling Green grew 24.4% from $13.90/hr (2019) to $17.29/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.24/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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green
Focusing specifically on part-time opportunities in the field, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, accumulating around 24 hours, could expect an annual take-home that reflects their reduced hours, diverging considerably from full-time income. Per-diem and agency opportunities represent another route; these professionals often charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed technicians fetching rates from $35 to $55 per hour for specific roles in areas like surgery or emergency care. It’s worth considering how hourly pay varies based on the employer type in Bowling Green; general practice clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals could provide more competitive compensation. Many technicians face the trade-off between higher wages with potentially fewer benefits or lower wages with significant employer-provided health insurance. When negotiating pay, remember to emphasize any additional certifications, like VTS, and consider that the veterinary workforce shortage is prompting many facilities to offer attractive hourly rates to fill gaps, making it an optimal time for skilled technicians in Bowling Green to advocate for better compensation.
More salary data for Bowling Green, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bowling Green in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bowling Green?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bowling Green paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bowling Green?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bowling Green?
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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 Bowling Green. 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