Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $22.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY runs $22.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,169 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Louisville/Jefferson County's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,308 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY, can expect a median hourly pay of $22.68 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, which reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for skilled professionals in the area. For those considering part-time or per-diem work arrangements in general practice settings, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities, this hourly rate can significantly impact financial stability. Entry-level positions can start at approximately $15.94 per hour, while more experienced technicians may earn upward of $25.77 per hour, illustrating a broad range of compensation based on experience and specialty. This official data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS projections, paints a realistic picture for aspiring and current veterinary healthcare workers navigating the job market.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.94 | $127.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.52 | $148.12 |
| Median (P50) | $22.68 | $181.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.95 | $191.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.77 | $206.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville/Jefferson County
Based on $22.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY can expect to earn approximately $47,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,219. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville/Jefferson County
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.30 | $3,932 | $47,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.38 | $2,359 | $28,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.92 | $1,573 | $18,872 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Louisville/Jefferson County) | $22.68 |
| 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $47,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.64% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.70% above the Kentucky state average of $44,625.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.68/hr = $28,308/year (purchasing power: $30,414).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,180/year (purchasing power: $50,690).
CoL index: 93.074 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+87.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 68.8% from $12.74/hr (2019) to $21.50/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.93/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 Louisville/Jefferson County 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
Examining the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that a 24-hour workweek (three days) allows them to take home considerably less annually compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem options typically yield attractive hourly billing rates, often ranging from $25-$40 for regular shifts, while specialized roles with VTS credentialing can demand rates as high as $35-$55 per hour. However, this variability underscores the importance of understanding how pay differs across employer types in Louisville/Jefferson County. General practice clinics might pay less on average, while corporate chain hospitals or specialty facilities could offer higher hourly wages. It’s crucial for professionals to weigh the benefits they receive against their pay rates, as some may accept lower earnings for more comprehensive health insurance and other perks. When negotiating, being informed about the local market, including typical rates at different clinics or hospitals, will empower veterinary technologists and technicians to secure a competitive hourly pay that aligns with their expertise and lifestyle.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville/Jefferson County?
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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 Louisville/Jefferson County. 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