Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Richmond, KY: $43,951 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Richmond, KY earns a median $43,951/year (≈ $21.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $49,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Richmond, Kentucky are expected to earn a median annual salary of $43,951, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation in Richmond varies from $33,411 at the lower end (P10) to $55,011 at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels. The structural differences in employment opportunities, such as working in specialty hospitals versus general practice clinics, play a vital role in determining salaries. Technicians in specialty settings often command higher wages, reflecting the increased skills and training required.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,411 | $16.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,905 | $17.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,951 | $21.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,689 | $25.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,011 | $26.45 |
Median Salary Position
12.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,600 (2026 est.). At $43,951, the local median is 12.07% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Richmond median: $43,951/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $44,621 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -12.07% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Richmond, KY earn a median of $43,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $44,621.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,951 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,217 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,056
2025 BLS Actual
$41,660
2026 Current Est.
$43,951
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,056 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,882 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,401 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,459 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,951 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,056 (2019) to $41,660 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,313 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $33,411 – $35,905 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,905 – $43,951 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,951 – $52,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,689 – $55,011 |
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 Richmond
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians shows limited employment opportunities, with only five professionals currently found in the Richmond area. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, living expenses are lower than the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Many of the best-paying employers in Richmond include corporate chain veterinary hospitals such as VCA, BluePearl, and NVA, alongside specialty referral hospitals that cater to emergency and critical care needs. The wide salary variation here can be attributed to factors such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which is highly regarded in the market, and differences in pay scales at corporate clinics versus general practices. To maximize their potential earnings, veterinary technicians in Richmond might consider pursuing specialty credentials, which can lead to pay rates of $30-$45+/hour, and seeking employment in high-demand specialty areas.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Richmond, KY in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Richmond?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Richmond?
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Career Resources
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 $41,660 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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