Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lee's Summit, MO: $20.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lee's Summit, MO runs $20.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,996 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lee's Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lee's Summit, Missouri, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $20.19, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03. This wage reflects the typical pay in settings such as general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a variable yet stable income depending on the number of shifts worked. The hourly wage spans from $15.19 for entry-level positions to as high as $28.00 for experienced technicians or those in specialized fields. It's important to note that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, so they serve as a clear overview of the financial expectations for veterinary professionals in the region.
About the Lee's Summit 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) | $15.19 | $121.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.48 | $131.83 |
| Median (P50) | $20.19 | $161.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.21 | $201.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.00 | $224.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lee's Summit
Based on $20.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.19/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lee's Summit, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,231. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lee's Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lee's Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $807.71 | $3,500 | $42,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.62 | $2,100 | $25,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.08 | $1,400 | $16,800 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lee's Summit) | $20.19 |
| 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 Lee's Summit, MO earn a median of $41,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $42,378.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.19/hr = $25,200/year (purchasing power: $28,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,001/year (purchasing power: $46,876).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lee's Summit grew 34.1% from $14.27/hr (2019) to $19.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.30/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 Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
Considering the earning potential of veterinary technologists and technicians in Lee's Summit offers further context regarding their career choices. For a part-time worker, committing to 24 hours a week could result in an annual take-home significantly lower than a full-time role, affecting benefits and job stability. Per-diem positions provide another avenue, where technicians often bill between $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized roles such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) can demand rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Labor markets may see weekend or overnight shifts at corporate chains or emergency care facilities offering $30 to $50 per hour, particularly in high-demand situations. However, technicians must balance higher hourly wages with the benefits often associated with full-time roles, such as health insurance and paid time off. Negotiating pay rates in Lee's Summit can be advantageous, especially for those with advanced credentials, as employers increasingly consider experience, certifications from AVMA-accredited programs, and willingness to work less desirable shifts as factors for premium compensation.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lee's Summit in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lee's Summit?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lee's Summit paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lee's Summit?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lee's Summit?
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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 Lee's Summit. 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 Lee's Summit 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