Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Emporia, KS: $41,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Emporia, KS earns a median $41,947/year (≈ $20.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Emporia, Kansas, can expect a median annual salary of $41,947, which falls significantly below the national average of $49,986. Local salaries range from $34,304 at the lower 10th percentile to $53,560 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive yet somewhat constrained market for these professionals in the region. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, denote the varying earning potential tied closely to factors such as specialty credentials and experience level. Achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can greatly enhance earning prospects, making it a strategic pathway for those looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Emporia, KS.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,304 | $16.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,695 | $17.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,947 | $20.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,396 | $24.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,560 | $25.75 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,256 (2026 est.). At $41,947, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Emporia median: $41,947/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,446 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -16.08% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Emporia, KS earn a median of $41,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $45,446.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia 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.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,947 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,146 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,640
2025 BLS Actual
$39,760
2026 Current Est.
$41,947
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,428 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,254 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,640 (2019) to $39,760 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,254 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,614 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $34,304 – $35,695 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,695 – $41,947 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,947 – $50,396 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,396 – $53,560 |
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 Emporia
The employment landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Emporia is relatively modest, with only five professionals reported in the area. This limited workforce is set against a cost-of-living index of 90.9, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay allows for adequate purchasing power within the community. The highest pay is often found in specialty referral hospitals and corporate veterinary chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, which typically offer tiered pay scales. Factors such as holding a VTS credential, working in a leadership role, or operating at a 24-hour emergency facility often result in higher pay rates. As the demand for veterinary technicians continues to grow in response to an ongoing workforce shortage, those entering the field should consider acquiring specialty certifications and seeking positions at higher-tier employers to enhance their compensation potential within the local market.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Emporia, KS in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Emporia?
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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 $39,760 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Emporia 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 Emporia 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