Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hopkinsville, KY: $20.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hopkinsville, KY runs $20.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hopkinsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, can expect a median hourly rate of $20.91, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the typical compensation for part-time roles, such as working three days a week, where they could realistically earn a stable income without taking on full-time hours. Entry-level positions might start around $15.62, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $27.73, allowing a wide range of income based on experience and specialty focus. Those considering per-diem opportunities will often find more flexible work schedules in varied environments, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, where hourly wages can vary significantly based on the complexity of the role.
About the Hopkinsville 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) | $15.62 | $125.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.82 | $134.53 |
| Median (P50) | $20.91 | $167.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.85 | $198.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.73 | $221.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hopkinsville
Based on $20.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hopkinsville, KY can expect to earn approximately $43,493 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,092. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hopkinsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hopkinsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $836.40 | $3,624 | $43,493 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $501.84 | $2,175 | $26,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.56 | $1,450 | $17,397 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hopkinsville) | $20.91 |
| 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 Hopkinsville, KY earn a median of $43,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% below the Kentucky state average of $44,658.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.91/hr = $26,096/year (purchasing power: $29,223).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,493/year (purchasing power: $48,704).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hopkinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hopkinsville grew 34.1% from $14.78/hr (2019) to $19.82/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.06/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 Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville
The potential earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians vary substantially compared to their full-time counterparts. A technician working three days a week at the median hourly pay would take home roughly $32,000 annually, significantly less than those working full-time. Per-diem and contract roles offer a compelling alternative, as these professionals frequently charge between $25 and $40 per hour for standard work, with specialized technicians earning between $35 and $55 hourly in specialty settings. Furthermore, in high-demand shifts for overnight or emergency coverage, wages can rise to $30-$50 an hour, making these positions enticing for those seeking higher earning potential. However, some may opt for lower hourly rates that come with benefits like health insurance, a decision that reflects the trade-offs associated with various employment types in the veterinary field. For those working in Hopkinsville, negotiating effectively for hourly rates, especially in corporate chain environments or specialty hospitals, can maximize compensation while balancing desired benefits.
More salary data for Hopkinsville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hopkinsville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hopkinsville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hopkinsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hopkinsville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hopkinsville?
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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 Hopkinsville. 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 Hopkinsville 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