Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Derby, KS: $44,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Derby, KS earns a median $44,805/year (≈ $21.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Derby's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $49,290 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $44,805, reflecting a local compensation scenario that is roughly 10.36% below the national median of $49,986 for 2026. The projected salary range for these professionals varies significantly, extending from $34,361 at the 10th percentile to $57,797 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level estimates and regional price adjustments, indicate a competitive pay gradient that exists between specialty hospitals and general practice settings. The job market in Derby is evolving, suggesting opportunities for growth and advancement in this vital veterinary sector.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,361 | $16.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,686 | $17.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,805 | $21.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,792 | $25.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,797 | $27.79 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
In Derby, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,436 (2026 est.). At $44,805, the local median is 10.36% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derby: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Derby Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Derby median: $44,805/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derby Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,441 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -10.36% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Derby, KS earn a median of $44,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,441.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derby has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derby, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,805 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,290 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,659
2025 BLS Actual
$42,469
2026 Current Est.
$44,805
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,659 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,276 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,269 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derby metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,659 (2019) to $42,469 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,610 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,361 – $36,686 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,686 – $44,805 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,805 – $53,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,792 – $57,797 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Derby
Within the local job market, there are currently four veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Derby, a relatively small number that may suggest a niche yet stable employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the purchasing power for these salaries is enhanced, indicating that what may seem like modest wages could allow for a comfortable lifestyle in this area. Corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl often provide the most competitive compensation, alongside specialty referral hospitals, which tend to attract those with Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials. The salary disparity is often driven by factors including roles in emergency and critical care, specialty training, and mentorship responsibilities. For those in Derby aspiring to maximize their earnings, obtaining a VTS credential or pursuing positions in high-demand areas like emergency medicine may offer the best financial returns moving forward.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Derby, KS in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Derby?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Derby?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,469 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Derby metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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