Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $22.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lexington, KY runs $22.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,491 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington, KY, can expect a median hourly rate of $22.03, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This wage offers a significant opportunity for part-time workers and per-diem professionals across various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and veterinary teaching facilities, making it feasible to balance work with personal commitments. Hourly earnings can range from $18.39 for entry-level positions to $28.86 for top earners, according to projected BLS data. The structure of these pay rates can support varied work schedules, with many professionals opting for 3-day weeks to manage personal and career life while still earning an ample wage in fields where support is often mandated.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.39 | $147.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.89 | $159.09 |
| Median (P50) | $22.03 | $176.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.86 | $230.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $22.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.03/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $45,819 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,434. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $881.14 | $3,818 | $45,819 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $528.68 | $2,291 | $27,491 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $352.45 | $1,527 | $18,328 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lexington) | $22.03 |
| 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 Lexington, KY earn a median of $45,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% above the Kentucky state average of $44,658.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.03/hr = $27,491/year (purchasing power: $29,596).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,819/year (purchasing power: $49,327).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington grew 13.9% from $18.33/hr (2019) to $20.88/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.24/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Examining the financial landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians reveals considerable potential for part-time and per-diem roles within Lexington. A veterinary technologist working three days per week, clocking in at around 24 hours, may earn a total of approximately $27,803 annually. However, per-diem roles often yield higher rates, with billing ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, especially for those with VTS specialty credentials who can command $35 to $55 per hour. Important considerations come into play depending on the type of employer; general practices typically provide lower hourly rates than corporate chains or specialty hospitals but may offer better benefits. This trade-off necessitates careful consideration for those negotiating hourly pay, as some may prioritize benefits over higher wages. Local trends indicate a strong workforce shortage, which also allows patients with specialized skills, such as VTS certification, to negotiate both pay and working conditions effectively in Lexington's competitive veterinary market.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lexington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lexington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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 Lexington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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