Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Topeka, KS: $47,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Topeka, KS earns a median $47,886/year (≈ $23.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Topeka's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $53,914 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $47,886 in 2026, which ranks slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range within the city varies, with the lowest earners making approximately $31,914 and the highest reaching up to $58,152. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, illustrates the relevant economic dynamics at play. Typically, salaries can differ significantly based on the type of veterinary practice, with specialty hospitals generally offering higher wages compared to general practice clinics. As the field continues to evolve, the demand for skilled technologists and technicians is anticipated to grow, indicating positive prospects in Topeka's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,914 | $15.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,512 | $19.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,886 | $23.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,237 | $23.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,152 | $27.96 |
Median Salary Position
4.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
In Topeka, KS, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,238 (2026 est.). At $47,886, the local median is 4.2% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Topeka: You'd be above the median
How Topeka Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Topeka median: $47,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Topeka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,433 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.20% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Topeka, KS earn a median of $47,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.20% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% above the Kansas state average of $45,433.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Topeka has a cost of living 11.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Topeka, KS has a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,886 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,914 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.59% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,030
2025 BLS Actual
$45,390
2026 Current Est.
$47,886
2019–2027 Growth
+80.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,520 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Topeka metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 61.9% from $28,030 (2019) to $45,390 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,520 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,490 (80.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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) | $31,914 – $40,512 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,512 – $47,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,886 – $49,237 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,237 – $58,152 |
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 Topeka
Currently, 80 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Topeka, contributing to a robust local job market. Given the cost of living index of 88.82, potential employees may find that their take-home pay allows for a comfortable lifestyle when compared to national expenses. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA or BluePearl generally provide competitive pay, particularly for individuals with specialty credentials such as the VTS designation. The compensation spectrum is influenced by various factors, including the type of practice setting and the inclusion of shift differentials for those working in 24-hour emergency facilities. For those aiming to maximize their salary in Topeka, pursuing specialty certifications and considering employment with larger organizations can prove advantageous, ultimately expanding opportunities within this growing field.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Topeka, KS in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Topeka?
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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 $45,390 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Topeka 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