Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lawrence, KS: $49,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lawrence, KS earns a median $49,269/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.2), that paycheck buys what $54,596 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.4% above the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lawrence is projected to reach a median of $49,269, slightly below the national median of $49,986. This wage reflects the dynamics between specialty hospitals and general practice settings, with salaries ranging from $38,529 at the lower end (P10) to $59,977 at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and showcase the nuanced compensation landscape within this field. Lawrence's veterinary market offers both opportunities and challenges for professionals, with a tendency for those affiliated with specialty practices to command higher pay compared to general practitioners.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,529 | $18.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,384 | $21.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,269 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,204 | $25.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,977 | $28.83 |
Median Salary Position
1.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,448 (2026 est.). At $49,269, the local median is 1.43% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be above the median
How Lawrence Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $49,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,451 | +8.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.43% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lawrence, KS earn a median of $49,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.43% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.40% above the Kansas state average of $45,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 9.76% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.243 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,269 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,596 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.81% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,590
2025 BLS Actual
$46,700
2026 Current Est.
$49,269
2019–2027 Growth
+64.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 47.8% from $31,590 (2019) to $46,700 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,388 (64.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $38,529 – $44,384 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,384 – $49,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,269 – $53,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,204 – $59,977 |
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 Lawrence
While there are currently 40 employed veterinary technologists and technicians in Lawrence, the cost of living index is relatively low at 90.243, suggesting a favorable environment for retaining income. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and university teaching hospitals often provide the most competitive compensation, especially for those with advanced credentials like the VTS specialty. Factors contributing to pay discrepancies include varying corporate pay scales from conglomerates like VCA and BluePearl, as well as the credentialing and specialized skills required for certain high-demand roles. To maximize earning potential in Lawrence, aspiring veterinary technologists should consider pursuing specialty certifications, engaging in continuing education, and exploring positions in high-demand segments, such as emergency and critical care, which typically offer better pay differentials compared to traditional general practice roles.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 $46,700 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lawrence 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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