Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Henderson, KY: $20.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Henderson, KY runs $20.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Henderson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,188 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Henderson, KY, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $20.98, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This figure presents a substantial opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers across various settings, from general practice environments to specialty hospitals and even research facilities. Individuals working part-time, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, can effectively gain valuable experience while earning between $15.72 and $28.02 per hour based on their skill levels. The range is reflective of entry-level positions through to those with more experience or specialization, particularly for those attaining Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, who tend to earn toward the upper end of the pay scale.
About the Henderson 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) | $15.72 | $125.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.78 | $142.21 |
| Median (P50) | $20.98 | $167.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.54 | $196.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.02 | $224.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Henderson
Based on $20.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.98/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Henderson, KY can expect to earn approximately $43,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,181. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Henderson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Henderson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $839.36 | $3,637 | $43,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $503.61 | $2,182 | $26,188 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.74 | $1,455 | $17,459 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Henderson) | $20.98 |
| 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 Henderson, KY earn a median of $43,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the Kentucky state average of $44,635.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.98/hr = $26,188/year (purchasing power: $29,326).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,647/year (purchasing power: $48,876).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Henderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Henderson grew 34.1% from $14.83/hr (2019) to $19.89/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.14/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 Henderson 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 Henderson
Part-time workers in this field will take home a different annual income than full-time employees, particularly around 3-day workweeks that yield about $32,688 annually if averaging 24 hours each week. For per-diem roles, the landscape shifts dramatically — rates can soar, with veterinary technologists and technicians billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour. Those with VTS credentials often see hourly pay range from $35 to $55, especially in acute-care settings or during overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals, where demand for personnel can push pay higher, sometimes reaching $30-$50/hour. Employer types significantly impact salary as well; general practice clinics typically offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities. Negotiation is crucial in this environment; potential employees should consider whether a higher hourly rate without benefits, or a slightly lower rate with health insurance and other perks, fits best with their lifestyle and financial needs. In Henderson, being informed about these variations in pay can empower vet techs and enhance career satisfaction.
More salary data for Henderson, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Henderson in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Henderson?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Henderson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Henderson?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Henderson?
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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 Henderson. 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 Henderson 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