Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $23.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Louisville, KY runs $23.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,665 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,203 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Kentucky, the 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $23.40, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time positions or per-diem opportunities, as it reflects a balance between the demands of the role and the compensation offered. Working three days a week, part-time professionals can expect to earn around $1,120 per week, accommodating the varying work environments typical of this field—be it general practices, specialty hospitals, or research facilities. The hourly range extends from $16.30 for entry-level positions to as high as $32.26 for more experienced technicians, offering a pathway for growth. This compensation data is derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating just how substantial the earning potential can be across different settings within the veterinary field in Louisville.
About the Louisville 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) | $16.30 | $130.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.22 | $145.76 |
| Median (P50) | $23.40 | $187.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.04 | $232.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.26 | $258.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $23.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $48,672 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,080. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.00 | $4,056 | $48,672 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.60 | $2,434 | $29,203 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.40 | $1,622 | $19,469 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Louisville) | $23.40 |
| 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, KY earn a median of $48,665 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $44,647.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.40/hr = $29,203/year (purchasing power: $32,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,672/year (purchasing power: $54,504).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville grew 34.1% from $16.53/hr (2019) to $22.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.69/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 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
Looking at part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could make approximately $58,380 annually, which presents a compelling choice for those not seeking full-time commitments. For professionals looking to maximize their hourly earnings, per-diem roles in Louisville can pay between $25 and $40 per hour, especially for technicians with specialty credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). Positions that require weekend or overnight coverage in emergency hospitals can further boost hourly rates, offering $30 to $50 per hour in markets facing staffing shortages. It's important to consider that hourly compensation varies widely by employer type; general practice may offer steady salaries, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals might provide higher rates, albeit potentially with less comprehensive benefits. Veterinary technologists and technicians should carefully assess the trade-offs of hourly rates against health insurance offerings, as this decision often influences job satisfaction and financial stability in the long term. Negotiating tips specific to Louisville include understanding market standards and being aware of the current demand for skilled technicians amid a growing workforce shortage.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Louisville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Louisville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Louisville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville?
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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. 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 Louisville 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