Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kirkwood, MO: $42,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kirkwood, MO earns a median $42,020/year (≈ $20.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kirkwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $46,897 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkwood, Missouri, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $42,020 for 2026, reflecting a notable difference when compared to the national average of $49,986. Local salaries range broadly, spanning from $32,630 at the 10th percentile to $54,681 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that professionals in Kirkwood may earn less than their peers nationwide. The local market is shaped by a mix of employment types, where specialty hospitals typically offer higher pay compared to general practice settings. As the demand for veterinary services continues to grow, positions in specialty care are becoming increasingly attractive for those seeking higher wages and advancement opportunities in their field.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,630 | $15.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,703 | $16.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,020 | $20.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,738 | $24.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,681 | $26.29 |
Median Salary Position
15.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkwood
In Kirkwood, MO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,051 (2026 est.). At $42,020, the local median is 15.94% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kirkwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kirkwood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kirkwood median: $42,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,358 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.94% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $42,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.94% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $42,358.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkwood 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.
Kirkwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,020 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,897 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,691
2025 BLS Actual
$39,829
2026 Current Est.
$42,020
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,146 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,331 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkwood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,691 (2019) to $39,829 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,331 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,640 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkwood 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) | $32,630 – $34,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,703 – $42,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,020 – $50,738 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,738 – $54,681 |
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 Kirkwood
Even though Kirkwood has only five veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed, the local job market shows promise, especially when considering the cost of living index of 89.6, which suggests lower expenses relative to the national average. This index can enhance the effective purchasing power of salaries in the area. Among the primary employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to provide more competitive compensation packages than general practice clinics. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include the value of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, such as emergency and critical care or anesthesia expertise, which command higher hourly rates. To maximize earning potential in Kirkwood, technicians should focus on continuing education, pursuing specialty certification, and considering roles in higher-paying environments like 24-hour emergency hospitals or well-resourced specialty facilities.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kirkwood, MO in 2026?
Is Kirkwood, MO a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Kirkwood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Kirkwood?
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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 $39,829 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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