Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elizabethtown, KY: $20.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elizabethtown, KY runs $20.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elizabethtown's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,175 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabethtown, KY, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $20.97 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy in pay can significantly impact part-time workers who typically work three days a week. For those in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals like ICU and emergency care wards, these earnings equate to a modest living, particularly for those reliant on per-diem arrangements or freelance opportunities within the veterinary sector. The hourly earnings for these professionals in Elizabethtown range from $15.75 at the entry-level to $27.93 for those at the higher end of the pay scale, illustrating the breadth of compensation based on experience and work setting.
About the Elizabethtown 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) | $15.75 | $126.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.94 | $135.55 |
| Median (P50) | $20.97 | $167.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.52 | $196.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.93 | $223.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabethtown
Based on $20.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabethtown, KY can expect to earn approximately $43,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,168. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elizabethtown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabethtown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $838.94 | $3,635 | $43,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $503.36 | $2,181 | $26,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.57 | $1,454 | $17,450 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elizabethtown) | $20.97 |
| 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 Elizabethtown, KY earn a median of $43,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the Kentucky state average of $44,649.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.97/hr = $26,175/year (purchasing power: $29,311).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,625/year (purchasing power: $48,852).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elizabethtown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabethtown grew 34.1% from $14.82/hr (2019) to $19.88/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.13/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 Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown
Considering the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabethtown, part-time employees working 24 hours weekly could anticipate a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time colleagues. For instance, while full-time wage earners benefit from more stable salaries, part-time professionals often find themselves seeking additional shifts or per-diem work to supplement their income. In fact, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Elizabethtown might range from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly for those with specialty VTS credentials, while weekend or overnight roles can command even higher rates. It’s common for veterinary clinics and specialty hospitals in the area to offer different pay scales based on their financial structures and benefit packages, prompting many technicians to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages against the security of benefits and stable schedules. In this context, negotiation skills become critical; those looking for hourly positions must approach discussions with potential employers strategically, emphasizing their qualifications and willingness to adapt to specific needs of the workplace.
More salary data for Elizabethtown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabethtown in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elizabethtown?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabethtown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Elizabethtown?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabethtown?
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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 Elizabethtown. 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 Elizabethtown 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