Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Covington, KY: $21.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Covington, KY runs $21.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, Kentucky, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.17, which is significantly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects the economic landscape for professionals in various settings, including general veterinary practices, specialty hospital wards, and academic clinics. Part-time workers, engaging in three-day work weeks, can expect an annual income that aligns with this hourly rate, yet their earnings may vary. The hourly pay ranges from $16.26 for entry-level positions to $26.54 for experienced professionals, demonstrating growth potential within this essential occupation. The figures indicate a competitive market, particularly in specialty environments and higher-demand areas, where skilled technicians might leverage their advanced credentials or particular expertise.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky 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) | $16.26 | $130.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.35 | $138.84 |
| Median (P50) | $21.17 | $169.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.01 | $200.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.54 | $212.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $21.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, KY can expect to earn approximately $44,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,409. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $846.95 | $3,670 | $44,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.17 | $2,202 | $26,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.78 | $1,468 | $17,617 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Covington) | $21.17 |
| 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 Covington, KY earn a median of $44,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Kentucky state average of $44,624.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.17/hr = $26,425/year (purchasing power: $29,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,042/year (purchasing power: $49,319).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Covington grew 34.1% from $14.96/hr (2019) to $20.07/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.34/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 Covington 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 Covington
Looking at part-time earning potential, veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week (24 hours) can anticipate a yearly income around $26,473, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. With many facilities in Covington seeking coverage, especially during weekends or overnight shifts, per diem opportunities arise, allowing for substantial variations in pay. For instance, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Covington often ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized veterinary technicians commanding rates upwards of $35-$55 for advanced or critical care roles. This volatility in hourly compensation distinctively reflects employer types: general practice clinics usually offer less, while specialty hospitals and corporate groups tend to promise higher rates, but may lack benefits. Thus, while some may opt for lower hourly pay with health insurance, others prioritize flexibility and potential for overtime compensation. Negotiating pay in Covington can leverage local demand trends and existing shortages, emphasizing the value of VTS credentials where possible.
More salary data for Covington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Covington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Covington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Covington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Covington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Covington?
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Career Resources
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 Covington. 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 Covington 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