Vet Tech salary

Blaine vs Minneapolis: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Blaine, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Blaine, MN
$49,655
$23.87/hr
Minneapolis, MN
$62,340
$29.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBlaine, MNMinneapolis, MN
Median Salary$49,655$62,340
Hourly Rate$23.87$29.97
Entry Level (P10)$38,070$51,178
25th Percentile$40,890$53,963
75th Percentile$60,291$65,115
Top Earner (P90)$65,637$70,284
Total Employed182,520
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Blaine ($49,655) and Minneapolis ($62,340) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BlaineMinneapolisMedian Salary$49,655$62,340Entry Level (P10)$38,070$51,178Top Earner (P90)$65,637$70,284US Median $49,986

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Blaine.

The salary gap between Blaine and Minneapolis is $12,685 (25.55%). Minneapolis's median is +24.71% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blaine spans $27,567,Minneapolis spans $19,106. Blaine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Blaine
P10 (Entry)$38,070
P25$40,890
Median$49,655
P75$60,291
P90 (Top)$65,637
Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$51,178
P25$53,963
Median$62,340
P75$65,115
P90 (Top)$70,284

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($59,472 effective) pays 17.97% more than Blaine ($50,411 effective).

Blaine
Nominal: $49,655
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $50,411
Minneapolis
Nominal: $62,340
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $59,472

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Blaine if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,340/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($70,284)
  • Larger job market (2,520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,472)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Blaine grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.8% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.

Blaine, MN

+17.2%

$40,172 (2024) → $47,066 (2025)

Minneapolis, MN

+54.8%

$38,170 (2019) → $59,090 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Blaine or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $62,340/year, compared to Blaine at $49,655/year — a difference of $12,685 (25.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Blaine and Minneapolis?

Blaine veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.87/hr while Minneapolis hygienists earn $29.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Blaine to Minneapolis as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Blaine and Minneapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Blaine = $50,411, Minneapolis = $59,472), job availability (18 vs 2,520 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Blaine vs Minneapolis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,070 in Blaine and $51,178 in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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