Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $20.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kirkwood, MO runs $20.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,020 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkwood, Missouri, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $20.20. This positions local professionals below the national hourly median of $24.03. The rate reflects the economic conditions of the region and influences employment types, including part-time and per-diem roles prevalent in varied settings like general practice treatment centers, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. With an hourly range from $15.69 for entry-level positions to $26.29 for the highest earners, these figures help frame the compensation landscape for those considering a career in this field. The estimated hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries and provide valuable insight for job seekers evaluating Kirkwood's job market.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri 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) | $15.69 | $125.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.68 | $133.44 |
| Median (P50) | $20.20 | $161.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.39 | $195.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.29 | $210.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $20.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.20/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,244. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $808.13 | $3,502 | $42,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.88 | $2,101 | $25,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.25 | $1,401 | $16,809 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kirkwood) | $20.20 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $42,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.94% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $42,358.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.20/hr = $25,214/year (purchasing power: $28,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,023/year (purchasing power: $46,900).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kirkwood grew 34.1% from $14.28/hr (2019) to $19.15/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.31/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
When discussing earning potential for those working part-time, a veterinary technologist and technician employed three days a week can expect a significant difference in annual income compared to full-time roles. While part-timers may not always receive the same benefits, they enjoy some flexibility in their schedules. Meanwhile, per-diem and locum tenens workers often command higher pay rates, with many billing between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty veterinary technicians can go even higher, with pay reaching $35 to $55 per hour. In Kirkwood, hourly rates can significantly vary depending on whether professionals work in general practice clinics, corporate chains, or specialty hospitals. The trade-off between higher hourly pay and benefits is a common consideration; some opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health coverage. Those looking to negotiate their pay should consider emphasizing their skills and specialty credentials to effectively advocate for their worth in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kirkwood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kirkwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kirkwood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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