Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Salina, KS: $43,966 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Salina, KS earns a median $43,966/year (≈ $21.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Salina's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $48,367 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Kansas state average.

$43,966
Median Annual Salary
$21.14/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$35,963
Entry Level (P10)
$55,091
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Salina, KS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Salina, KS veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a veterinary technologist and technician in Salina, KS, is estimated to be $43,966. This figure falls below the national average of $49,986, representing a notable difference in compensation for professionals in this field. The full salary range for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina spans from $35,963 at the 10th percentile to $55,091 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential based on experience and specialization. For those pursuing advanced credentials in the VTS specialty pathway, such as Emergency and Critical Care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia, additional opportunities to elevate earnings may arise within this local market. With a small workforce of 11 employed in this occupation, Salina presents a targeted job market with the potential for career advancement.

About the Salina Market

Salary estimated from Kansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$35,963$17.29
Lower Range (P25)$37,657$18.10
Median (P50)(typical)$43,966$21.14
Upper Range (P75)$51,796$24.90
Top Earners (P90)$55,091$26.49

Median Salary Position

$35,963$55,091
City Median: $43,966
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

12.04% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Salina. The median salary is $43,966, compared to the national median of $49,986.$32.4K$38.7K$45.1K$51.5K$57.8K$36.0K10th Pctl$37.7K25th Pctl$44.0KMedian$51.8K75th Pctl$55.1K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Salina, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,128 (2026 est.). At $43,966, the local median is 12.04% below the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Salina metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$846
per week
$3,665
per month
$43,976
per year

At 40 hours/week in Salina: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Salina Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Salina median: $43,966/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalarySalina Pays
Kansas Average$45,419-3.20% less
National Average$49,986-12.04% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Salina ($43,966) with Kansas average ($45,419) and the US national median ($49,986).Salina$43,966Kansas Avg$45,419-3.20%US National$49,986-12.04%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Salina, KS earn a median of $43,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $45,419.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$43,966
Nominal Salary
90.9
CoL Index
$48,367
Adjusted Salary

Salina 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.

The nominal salary is $43,966. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the purchasing-power equivalent is $48,367, a gain of $4,401.$37.4K$42.4K$47.4K$52.5K$57.5K$43,966NominalSalary$48,367CoL Adjusted(CoL: 90.9) 10.01%US Median $50.0K

Salina, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,966 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,367 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$31,066

2025 BLS Actual

$41,674

2026 Current Est.

$43,966

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salina (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina. Baseline $31,066 in 2025, projected to $46,384 by 2027.$26.6K$32.4K$38.1K$43.9K$49.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$31.1K$31.9K$32.4K$33.6K$38.5K$29.9K$41.7K$44.0K$46.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$31,066Actual
2020$31,893Actual
2021$32,412Actual
2022$33,635Actual
2023$38,472Actual
2024$29,906Actual
2025$41,674Actual
2026(current)$43,966Estimated
2027$46,384Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salina metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,066 (2019) to $41,674 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,318 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$35,963$37,657
3-5 years (Mid Career)$37,657$43,966
5+ years (Experienced)$43,966$51,796
10+ years (Top Earner)$51,796$55,091

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 Salina

The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina is relatively modest, with only 11 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost-of-living index of 90.9, which is below the national average, take-home pay can stretch further, allowing for lifestyle choices reflective of the community. Employers in Salina range from general practice veterinary clinics to corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl, which typically offer higher pay levels compared to standard practices. The wage variance can be attributed to several factors, including the VTS specialty credential that commands higher rates, as well as the pay scale tiers set by corporate entities. To maximize compensation, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Salina should consider obtaining additional certifications and seeking positions in specialty referral hospitals or veterinary emergency and critical care settings, where the financial rewards are often more substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salina, KS in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Salina is $43,966/year ($21.14/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $35,963 at entry level (10th percentile) to $55,091 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Salina at 12.0% below the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Salina, KS a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Salina veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 12.0% below the national average and 3.2% below the Kansas state average. The metro area employs approximately 11 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Salina?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Salina is $43,966, and the 90th percentile earns $55,091. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Salina?

After adjusting for Salina's cost-of-living index of 90.9 (where 100 equals the national average), the $43,966 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $48,367 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 10.0% further in Salina compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for veterinary technologists and technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Salina?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salina earn a median hourly rate of $21.14, which translates to approximately $43,966/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $17.29 for entry-level positions to $26.49 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $41,674 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Salina 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 Salina is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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