Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $20.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Murray, KY runs $20.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,056 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Murray, Kentucky, earn a median hourly pay of $20.08, which is significantly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the typical compensation for roles in various settings, including general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a manageable income, though it is crucial to note the disparity when compared to peers nationwide. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $16.86 per hour, while more experienced individuals, particularly those working in specialized roles, may make up to $25.48 per hour. It's also essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, making them a key consideration for those entering the field or assessing job options within the Murray area.
About the Murray 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) | $16.86 | $134.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.40 | $139.18 |
| Median (P50) | $20.08 | $160.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.96 | $191.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.48 | $203.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $20.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $41,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,092. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $803.07 | $3,480 | $41,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $481.84 | $2,088 | $25,056 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.23 | $1,392 | $16,704 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Murray) | $20.08 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $41,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $44,652.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.08/hr = $25,056/year (purchasing power: $28,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,759/year (purchasing power: $46,763).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Murray grew 34.1% from $14.19/hr (2019) to $19.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.18/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 Murray 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 Murray
In terms of part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week will take home approximately $25,053 annually, which contrasts sharply with the earnings of full-time employees who can expect a more robust income. Per-diem or agency technicians in Murray often find themselves billing rates between $25 and $40 an hour, with specialized roles such as veterinary technician specialists commanding $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight emergency coverage can also yield higher rates of $30 to $50, especially in shortage markets. The type of employer significantly affects these hourly rates, with corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and even research facilities offering varied pay scales. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those in the Murray area, negotiating hourly pay can hinge on understanding local market demands and clearly presenting your credentials to secure the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Murray?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Murray paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Murray?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Murray?
Related Pages
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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