Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kansas City, KS: $49,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kansas City, KS earns a median $49,114/year (≈ $23.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kansas City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $54,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Kansas City, KS, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $49,114. The full salary range spans from $35,031 at the 10th percentile to $65,597 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. Achieving the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can significantly enhance earning potential, as these niches often command higher salaries in this competitive market. The Kansas City job market demonstrates sturdy demand for skilled practitioners, which bolsters pay, especially for those with specialized training.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,031 | $16.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,618 | $18.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,114 | $23.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,858 | $28.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,597 | $31.53 |
Median Salary Position
1.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kansas City
In Kansas City, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,566 (2026 est.). At $49,114, the local median is 1.74% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kansas City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kansas City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kansas City median: $49,114/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kansas City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,434 | +8.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.74% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kansas City, KS earn a median of $49,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.74% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.10% above the Kansas state average of $45,434.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kansas 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.
Kansas City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,114 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,031 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,704
2025 BLS Actual
$46,554
2026 Current Est.
$49,114
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,704 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,628 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,208 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,816 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,704 (2019) to $46,554 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,816 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,112 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas 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) | $35,031 – $38,618 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,618 – $49,114 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,114 – $59,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,858 – $65,597 |
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 Kansas City
Despite a modest average pay that is slightly below the national median, the relatively low cost-of-living index of 90.9 positions local salaries in a favorable light. Among 25 employed veterinary technologists and technicians, those working in specialty referral hospitals—such as surgery, emergency, or internal medicine—typically earn more than their counterparts in general practice settings. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often offer structured pay scales, which can further magnify earnings through tiered compensation based on experience and specialty credentials. For those looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Kansas City, pursuing a VTS designation, seeking employment in high-paying sectors, and capitalizing on shift differentials in 24-hour emergency facilities are key strategies for enhancing compensation.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Kansas City?
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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 $46,554 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kansas 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 Kansas 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