Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hays, KS: $42,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hays, KS earns a median $42,542/year (≈ $20.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,801 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, KS, the projected veterinary technologist and technician salary is set at $42,542 for 2026, placing it significantly below the national median of $49,986. This profession’s salary in the region ranges from $35,753 at the lower end to $53,974 at the high end, reflecting a varied pay scale determined by a mix of experience, specialization, and workplace type. These figures have been derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living conditions, which are currently at a low index of 90.9 relative to the national average. In Hays, career opportunities exist mainly within general practice settings, but for those seeking higher compensation, specialty hospitals tend to offer better pay and advancement potential.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,753 | $17.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,933 | $17.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,542 | $20.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,866 | $24.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,974 | $25.95 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,221 (2026 est.). At $42,542, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hays median: $42,542/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,451 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.89% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hays, KS earn a median of $42,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays 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.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,542 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,801 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,060
2025 BLS Actual
$40,324
2026 Current Est.
$42,542
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,362 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,545 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,226 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,324 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,882 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,060 (2019) to $40,324 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,882 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,822 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $35,753 – $36,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,933 – $42,542 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,542 – $50,866 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,866 – $53,974 |
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 Hays
Currently, there are five veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Hays. Despite the area's lower-than-average cost of living, which enhances purchasing power, the salary dynamics mean professionals may still find themselves stretched. Specialty hospitals and corporate chains typically offer higher wages compared to general practices, with roles in emergency and critical care or certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) being particularly lucrative. The pay spread is influenced by experience levels, specialized skill sets, and the differences in pay scales employed by corporate veterinary practices versus independent clinics. To maximize earnings, individuals should consider pursuing specialty training and actively seek out employment with hospitals that offer shift differentials and mentoring opportunities. Engaging with organizations such as NAVTA can also provide valuable career resources and connections.
More salary data for Hays, 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 $40,324 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hays 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 Hays 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