Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Gardner, KS: $42,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Gardner, KS earns a median $42,135/year (≈ $20.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, KS, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $42,135 in 2026, reflecting a competitive landscape compared to national averages. This salary range extends from $34,773 at the 10th percentile to a robust $54,249 at the 90th percentile, providing opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments suggest that specialization can significantly influence earning potential. Specifically, credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia can elevate salaries substantially, establishing a pathway for those eager to enhance their careers within this growing field in Gardner.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,773 | $16.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,084 | $17.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,135 | $20.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,774 | $24.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,249 | $26.08 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,476 (2026 est.). At $42,135, the local median is 15.71% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Gardner median: $42,135/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,453 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.71% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Gardner, KS earn a median of $42,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $45,453.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner 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.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,135 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,353 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,772
2025 BLS Actual
$39,938
2026 Current Est.
$42,135
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,062 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,234 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,772 (2019) to $39,938 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,680 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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) | $34,773 – $36,084 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,084 – $42,135 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,135 – $50,774 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,774 – $54,249 |
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 Gardner
Despite there being only six veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Gardner area, the job market shows promise, particularly given the favorable cost-of-living index of 90.9. This lower cost relative to the national average allows for potentially higher take-home pay, stretching further when managing daily expenses. Employers in the area vary in pay scales; specialty hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically offer more competitive salaries compared to general practice clinics. The disparity in earnings is often driven by the VTS specialty credential, which demands higher wages or positions with shift differentials at 24-hour emergency facilities. For those pursuing maximum compensation, aiming for certifications that enhance marketability and exploring roles in specialty practices or corporate chains can be effective strategies in navigating the local job market.
More salary data for Gardner, 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 $39,938 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Gardner 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 Gardner 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