Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $20.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Paducah, KY runs $20.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,451 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paducah, Kentucky, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.39 in 2026, notably below the national median of $24.03. This rate has implications for various employment scenarios, such as part-time positions that may involve three working days per week. For workers in a general practice setting, this hourly wage translates to around $1,800 for a typical month, providing a modest income for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem opportunities in Paducah are also influenced by this rate, with entry-level technicians starting at approximately $16.09 and more experienced professionals reaching up to $26.84. These figures illustrate a clear pathway from entry-level roles to more advanced positions, indicating the potential for increased earnings as skills and credentials, such as a VTS specialty, develop over time.
About the Paducah 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) | $16.09 | $128.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.03 | $136.22 |
| Median (P50) | $20.39 | $163.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.81 | $198.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.84 | $214.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $20.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.39/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $42,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,472. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $815.73 | $3,535 | $42,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $489.44 | $2,121 | $25,451 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.29 | $1,414 | $16,967 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Paducah) | $20.39 |
| 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 Paducah, KY earn a median of $42,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the Kentucky state average of $44,660.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.39/hr = $25,451/year (purchasing power: $28,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,418/year (purchasing power: $47,500).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paducah grew 34.1% from $14.41/hr (2019) to $19.33/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.51/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 Paducah 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 Paducah
Considering part-time employment further deepens the conversation about actual take-home pay. For a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, the annual income can be substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, potentially limiting financial stability. However, per-diem roles offer flexibility and higher hourly rates, with pay rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 for contract work. In times of staffing shortages, weekend or overnight shifts may command rates between $30 and $50 per hour, especially in demand at corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers in Paducah. As technicians navigate their compensation, many must weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages that include health insurance against higher rates without coverage. For those looking to negotiate their comp, emphasizing local market conditions and demonstrating expertise can lead to better wage offers in this field facing ongoing workforce shortages.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paducah in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Paducah?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Paducah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Paducah?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Paducah?
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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 Paducah. 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 Paducah 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