Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $23.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kansas City, MO runs $23.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,804 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,282 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kansas City, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $23.46, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate provides a reasonable basis for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, to earn a stable income while pursuing their passion. In typical work settings including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals like emergency and critical care wards, and pharmaceutical research facilities, the hourly range varies significantly; entry-level positions can start around $19.29, while seasoned professionals may earn up to $29.60. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these figures reflect the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine in Kansas City and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.29 | $154.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.84 | $158.76 |
| Median (P50) | $23.46 | $187.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.60 | $236.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $23.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $48,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,156. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.53 | $4,067 | $48,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.12 | $2,440 | $29,282 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.41 | $1,627 | $19,521 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kansas City) | $23.46 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $48,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 15.20% above the Missouri state average of $42,365.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.46/hr = $29,282/year (purchasing power: $31,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,803/year (purchasing power: $52,736).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City grew 42.2% from $15.64/hr (2019) to $22.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.75/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
For those considering part-time opportunities as a veterinary technologist or technician in Kansas City, working three days a week typically translates to a practical annual income when compared to full-time positions. The per diem arrangements often present enticing pay rates; it’s not uncommon for per-diem veterinary technologists to earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with those possessing Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials commanding even higher pay, sometimes reaching $35 to $55 per hour. The hourly wages fluctuate based on employer type; professionals in corporate chain hospitals may receive different rates than those in specialty referral hospitals or research labs. The choice between accepting a lower hourly rate for benefits or pursuing higher pay with flexible schedules can greatly impact earnings. For those in transitioning roles, understanding the negotiation landscape in Kansas City's veterinary field can be crucial, as knowing your worth and market conditions can lead to better compensation and satisfaction in your career.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kansas City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kansas City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kansas City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Kansas City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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