Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $21.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Independence, KY runs $21.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.29 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy can impact part-time workers, typically engaged three days a week, as they would earn roughly $21,000 annually assuming a standard schedule. For per-diem professionals working in various settings—such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or university clinics—this hourly rate suggests that earning potential may fluctuate significantly. Entry-level positions may start around $16.54, while experienced technicians can command rates as high as $27.71. Given that the hourly rates in Independence are estimated based on annual salary data, it is essential for veterinary technologists and technicians to understand how these figures translate to their day-to-day earnings within their specific career paths.
About the Independence 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) | $16.54 | $132.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.59 | $140.69 |
| Median (P50) | $21.29 | $170.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.72 | $205.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.71 | $221.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $21.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.29/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $44,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,548. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $851.60 | $3,690 | $44,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.96 | $2,214 | $26,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.64 | $1,476 | $17,713 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Independence) | $21.29 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $44,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $44,641.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.29/hr = $26,570/year (purchasing power: $29,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,283/year (purchasing power: $49,589).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Independence grew 34.1% from $15.04/hr (2019) to $20.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.46/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 Independence 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 Independence
Focusing on the earning potential within this profession, a veterinary technologist and technician working part-time three days a week can expect to take home just over $21,000 yearly, a marked difference from a full-time salary. The demand for per-diem technicians is boosting pay rates, with many professionals billing between $25 and $40 per hour. In specialized settings, such as emergency care, VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can earn rates reaching $55 per hour in a competitive market. Each employer type in Independence influences these hourly rates; for instance, corporate chains may provide benefits like health insurance that come at the expense of hourly pay, while specializing in high-demand areas can yield higher pay but little to no benefits. Negotiating for the best hourly rate involves knowing the market trends and being aware of current staffing shortages, underscoring the importance of skill certifications for potential upward mobility in wages.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Independence?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Independence?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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