Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Nicholasville, KY: $21.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Nicholasville, KY runs $21.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,961 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Nicholasville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Nicholasville, Kentucky, is projected to be $21.13, which falls below the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy highlights the unique economic conditions impacting veterinary health roles in the area. The hourly pay allows for flexible work arrangements, making these positions appealing for part-time and per-diem workers who typically take on shifts in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and veterinary teaching clinics. Entry-level technicians start around $16.14, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $26.41 per hour, allowing for a diverse range of earning potential based on experience, skill, and specialty.
About the Nicholasville 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) | $16.14 | $129.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.28 | $138.25 |
| Median (P50) | $21.13 | $169.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.90 | $199.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.41 | $211.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nicholasville
Based on $21.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.13/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nicholasville, KY can expect to earn approximately $43,954 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,358. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nicholasville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nicholasville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $845.27 | $3,663 | $43,954 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $507.16 | $2,198 | $26,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.11 | $1,465 | $17,582 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Nicholasville) | $21.13 |
| 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 Nicholasville, KY earn a median of $43,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $44,630.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.13/hr = $26,372/year (purchasing power: $29,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,954/year (purchasing power: $49,220).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Nicholasville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Nicholasville grew 34.1% from $14.93/hr (2019) to $20.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.29/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 Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville
When examining the earning scenario for veterinary technologists and technicians in Nicholasville, part-time workers who commit to a schedule of three days a week (24 hours) can expect to take home around $26,336 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. Per-diem workers, on the other hand, often command higher hourly rates, with billing between $25 and $40, particularly in understaffed emergency and specialty settings, which may pay as much as $50 hourly for weekend or overnight shifts. The pay varies significantly across different employers in Nicholasville, such as corporate veterinary chains, specialty hospitals, and university teaching facilities, reflecting the pay scale impacts of corporate consolidation. Those accepting lower hourly rates may find job security and benefits in a full-time role, while others leverage their certification as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) to achieve rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Those entering negotiations should come prepared with data from the local market to advocate for a fair hourly rate that reflects their skills and experience.
More salary data for Nicholasville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Nicholasville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Nicholasville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Nicholasville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Nicholasville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Nicholasville?
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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 Nicholasville. 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 Nicholasville 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