Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Liberal, KS: $42,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Liberal, KS earns a median $42,377/year (≈ $20.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,619 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Liberal, Kansas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $42,377, which reflects a notable competitive edge with a local salary range from $35,199 at the 10th percentile to $55,014 at the 90th percentile. This estimate is based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in specialties such as Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia can lead to significant salary increases, often positioning certified specialists at the higher end of the salary spectrum. As the demand for qualified veterinary professionals continues to grow amidst workforce shortages, opportunities for earning more in Liberal's veterinary sector remain promising.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,199 | $16.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,377 | $20.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,881 | $23.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,014 | $26.45 |
Median Salary Position
15.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,815 (2026 est.). At $42,377, the local median is 15.22% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Liberal median: $42,377/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,420 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.22% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Liberal, KS earn a median of $42,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $45,420.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal 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.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,377 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,619 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,944
2025 BLS Actual
$40,168
2026 Current Est.
$42,377
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,241 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,419 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,708 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,944 (2019) to $40,168 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,708 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,764 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $35,199 – $36,590 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,590 – $42,377 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,377 – $48,881 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,881 – $55,014 |
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 Liberal
With only four veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Liberal, each technician finds themselves in a unique position within a tight-knit job market. The local cost of living index sits at 90.9, indicating a below-average living expense compared to the national norm; this can affect the purchasing power of their salaries. Employers who typically offer the best pay in Liberal are often found in specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains such as VCA or BluePearl, where salaries can reflect structured pay scales and additional compensations for advanced skills. The disparity in pay often hinges on factors like VTS specialty credentials, the tier of the corporate pay scale, and differences between general practice settings and emergency service positions. For technicians seeking to maximize their salary in Liberal, pursuing further education and specialization, alongside negotiating for roles in higher-paying environments, can help them achieve better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Liberal?
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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 $40,168 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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