Vet Tech salary

Duluth vs Hastings: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Duluth, MN
$50,925
$24.49/hr
Hastings, MN
$48,720
$23.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNHastings, MN
Median Salary$50,925$48,720
Hourly Rate$24.49$23.42
Entry Level (P10)$39,499$38,304
25th Percentile$45,871$40,339
75th Percentile$58,869$57,409
Top Earner (P90)$61,011$60,626
Total Employed1405
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($50,925) and Hastings ($48,720) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DuluthHastingsMedian Salary$50,925$48,720Entry Level (P10)$39,499$38,304Top Earner (P90)$61,011$60,626US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Duluth and Hastings is $2,205 (4.53%). Duluth's median is +1.88% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $21,512,Hastings spans $22,322. Hastings has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$39,499
P25$45,871
Median$50,925
P75$58,869
P90 (Top)$61,011
Hastings
P10 (Entry)$38,304
P25$40,339
Median$48,720
P75$57,409
P90 (Top)$60,626

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($57,369 effective) pays 15.99% more than Hastings ($49,462 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $50,925
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $57,369
Hastings
Nominal: $48,720
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $49,462

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,925/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,011)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,369)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Hastings if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Duluth grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Hastings over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+34.9%

$35,770 (2019) → $48,270 (2025)

Hastings, MN

+17.2%

$39,415 (2024) → $46,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Duluth or Hastings?

Duluth has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,925/year, compared to Hastings at $48,720/year — a difference of $2,205 (4.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Hastings?

Duluth veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.49/hr while Hastings hygienists earn $23.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Hastings as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Hastings. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $57,369, Hastings = $49,462), job availability (140 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Duluth vs Hastings?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,499 in Duluth and $38,304 in Hastings. The Duluth 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