Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Dodge City, KS: $42,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Dodge City, KS earns a median $42,986/year (≈ $20.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Dodge City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $47,289 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Dodge City, Kansas, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $42,986, which falls significantly below the national median of $49,986. The projected salary range for this profession is from $33,585 at the 10th percentile to $54,657 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a broad spectrum of compensation based on skills, experience, and type of employment. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting the local cost of living index of 90.9. Despite a relatively lower pay scale, the job market for veterinary technologists and technicians remains functional in Dodge City, as the demand for veterinary services continues to grow, offering some opportunities for advancement in specialized fields.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,585 | $16.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,653 | $17.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,986 | $20.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,125 | $24.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,657 | $26.28 |
Median Salary Position
14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dodge City
In Dodge City, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,072 (2026 est.). At $42,986, the local median is 14% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dodge City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dodge City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Dodge City median: $42,986/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dodge City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,440 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.00% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Dodge City, KS earn a median of $42,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,440.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dodge City 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.
Dodge City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,986 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,289 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,374
2025 BLS Actual
$40,745
2026 Current Est.
$42,986
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,885 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,745 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dodge City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,374 (2019) to $40,745 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,976 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,585 – $35,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,653 – $42,986 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,986 – $51,125 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,125 – $54,657 |
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 Dodge City
Within the local job market, only five veterinary technologists and technicians are employed, emphasizing the specialized nature of this field in Dodge City. The lower cost of living can translate to better purchasing power for those entering this profession; however, it may also influence salary expectations. Leading employers, such as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, typically offer competitive wages compared to general practice clinics. The disparity in pay often hinges on advanced specialty credentials, such as the VTS designation for emergency and critical care, which can drive salaries higher. To maximize earning potential in this market, veterinary professionals should consider obtaining specialty certifications and seeking employment with corporate hospitals or specialty referral centers, both of which generally provide enhanced benefits and better pay scales.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $40,745 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Dodge City 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 Dodge City 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