Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Richmond, KY: $21.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Richmond, KY runs $21.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,951 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Richmond'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
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond, KY, earn a median hourly rate of $21.13, with entry-level positions starting around $16.07 and top earners reaching up to $26.45 per hour. This rate reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median hourly rate of $24.03, indicating a slight gap in local earnings. For professionals working part-time, such as those in general practice clinics or specialty hospitals like emergency and critical care wards, these hourly wages can still provide a stable income, especially for those shifting to per diem roles. This flexibility allows for varied work settings, from university clinics to aquatic animal hospitals, catering to diverse interests within the veterinary field.
About the Richmond 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) | $16.07 | $128.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.26 | $138.08 |
| Median (P50) | $21.13 | $169.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.33 | $202.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.45 | $211.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
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 Richmond, 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 Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| 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 (Richmond) | $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 Richmond, KY earn a median of $43,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $44,621.
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 Richmond (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 | $14.37/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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Looking closer at the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working three days a week for 24 hours translates to an annual take-home that differs significantly from full-time colleagues. Part-time employees typically enjoy a more balanced workload but may miss out on benefits offered to full-timers. Per-diem roles are also gaining traction, with rates often ranging from $25 to $40 an hour for general duties, escalating to $35 to $55 for VTS-credentialed specialists. Richmond's varied employer types impact pay; for instance, while general practice facilities may offer lower wages, corporate chains or specialty referral hospitals often pay more but have different dynamics. As the veterinary field continues to experience a workforce shortage, those negotiating hourly pay should consider the overall compensation package, including potential benefits.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Richmond?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Richmond?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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