Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Independence, MO: $43,239 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Independence, MO earns a median $43,239/year (≈ $20.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $48,258 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $43,239 in 2026. This figure, while solid, is approximately 13.50% lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals spans from $33,272 at the lower ten percent (P10) to $60,910 for those in the top ten percent (P90), reflecting a diverse pay scale influenced by factors such as specialization and experience. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, highlight a competitive market, especially considering the increasing demand for veterinary services amid the workforce shortage that has plagued the industry.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,272 | $15.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,839 | $17.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,239 | $20.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,955 | $24.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,910 | $29.29 |
Median Salary Position
13.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,638 (2026 est.). At $43,239, the local median is 13.5% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Independence median: $43,239/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,350 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -13.50% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Independence, MO earn a median of $43,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.50% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $42,350.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,239 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,258 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,553
2025 BLS Actual
$40,985
2026 Current Est.
$43,239
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,366 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,876 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,239 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,617 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,553 (2019) to $40,985 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,617 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,064 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $33,272 – $35,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,839 – $43,239 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,239 – $51,955 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,955 – $60,910 |
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 Independence
On the job front, there are currently 30 veterinary technologists and technicians employed within Independence, indicative of a local market that, despite its size, offers promising career opportunities against the backdrop of a cost-of-living index at 89.6—below the national average. With general practice settings typically offering lower compensation compared to corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often provide structured pay scales and benefits, earning potential can vary widely. Additionally, those with VTS credentials in specialized areas such as emergency and critical care command top-tier salaries, amplifying the contrast between entry-level and experienced positions. To maximize earnings in Independence, pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in high-paying specialties, and considering employment with corporate veterinary practices can create pathways to higher veterinary technologist and technician pay in Independence MO.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Independence?
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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 $40,985 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Independence 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 Independence 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