Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $54.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Topeka, KS runs $54.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,399 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the projected veterinarian hourly pay for 2026 stands at $54.81, which is significantly lower than the national median of $66.03. This rate provides a decent wage for those working in various environments, whether in general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, or specialty referral hospital wards. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem roles, this hourly pay translates into variable income potential based on the number of hours worked. The hourly range for veterinarians in the area spans from $40.85 for entry-level positions to $104.09 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunity landscape within the field. These figures are based on projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data from 2025, forecasted for 2026.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.85 | $326.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.39 | $347.08 |
| Median (P50) | $54.81 | $438.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.31 | $514.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.09 | $832.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $54.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.81/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $113,998 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,768. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,192.27 | $9,500 | $113,998 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,315.36 | $5,700 | $68,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $876.91 | $3,800 | $45,599 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Topeka) | $54.81 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Topeka, KS earn a median of $113,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.00% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 8.70% below the Kansas state average of $124,857.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.81/hr = $68,399/year (purchasing power: $77,008).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,998/year (purchasing power: $128,347).
CoL index: 88.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+0.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Topeka grew -9.5% from $57.36/hr (2019) to $51.92/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.85/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinarian in Topeka
Veterinarians who opt for part-time work, such as those committing to a 24-hour work week, can expect to take home approximately $43,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. For those considering per-diem or locum tenens positions, earning potential can be significantly higher, with typical billing rates ranging from $90 to $140 per hour at general practices. Specialty relief veterinarians often see pay structures that elevate their earnings to between $150 and $250 per hour, particularly for high-demand services like emergency coverage. In Topeka, the type of practice significantly affects hourly earnings, with corporate chains potentially offering lower rates compared to independent clinics that may prioritize employee satisfaction through competitive benefits. Those willing to negotiate may find that accepting a lower hourly rate for a stable benefits package can yield long-term financial advantages in health care coverage and retirement contributions.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Topeka in 2026?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Topeka. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov