Vet Tech salary

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

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

Duluth, MN
$50,925
$24.49/hr
Lakeville, MN
$50,242
$24.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNLakeville, MN
Median Salary$50,925$50,242
Hourly Rate$24.49$24.16
Entry Level (P10)$39,499$39,401
25th Percentile$45,871$42,073
75th Percentile$58,869$59,809
Top Earner (P90)$61,011$69,251
Total Employed14015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($50,925) and Lakeville ($50,242) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DuluthLakevilleMedian Salary$50,925$50,242Entry Level (P10)$39,499$39,401Top Earner (P90)$61,011$69,251US Median $49,986

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeville.

The salary gap between Duluth and Lakeville is $683 (1.36%). 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,Lakeville spans $29,850. Lakeville 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
Lakeville
P10 (Entry)$39,401
P25$42,073
Median$50,242
P75$59,809
P90 (Top)$69,251

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($57,369 effective) pays 12.47% more than Lakeville ($51,007 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $50,925
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $57,369
Lakeville
Nominal: $50,242
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $51,007

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)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,369)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Lakeville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($69,251)
  • 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 Lakeville over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+34.9%

$35,770 (2019) → $48,270 (2025)

Lakeville, MN

+17.2%

$40,647 (2024) → $47,623 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Duluth has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,925/year, compared to Lakeville at $50,242/year — a difference of $683 (1.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Lakeville?

Duluth veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.49/hr while Lakeville hygienists earn $24.16/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Lakeville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $57,369, Lakeville = $51,007), job availability (140 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,499 in Duluth and $39,401 in Lakeville. 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