Vet Tech salary

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

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

Duluth, MN
$50,925
$24.49/hr
Minnetonka, MN
$50,525
$24.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNMinnetonka, MN
Median Salary$50,925$50,525
Hourly Rate$24.49$24.29
Entry Level (P10)$39,499$36,085
25th Percentile$45,871$42,649
75th Percentile$58,869$62,391
Top Earner (P90)$61,011$68,525
Total Employed14012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($50,925) and Minnetonka ($50,525) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DuluthMinnetonkaMedian Salary$50,925$50,525Entry Level (P10)$39,499$36,085Top Earner (P90)$61,011$68,525US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Duluth and Minnetonka is $400 (0.79%). 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,Minnetonka spans $32,440. Minnetonka 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
Minnetonka
P10 (Entry)$36,085
P25$42,649
Median$50,525
P75$62,391
P90 (Top)$68,525

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($57,369 effective) pays 11.84% more than Minnetonka ($51,294 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $50,925
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $57,369
Minnetonka
Nominal: $50,525
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $51,294

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 Minnetonka if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($68,525)
  • 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 Minnetonka over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+34.9%

$35,770 (2019) → $48,270 (2025)

Minnetonka, MN

+17.2%

$40,876 (2024) → $47,891 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Duluth has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,925/year, compared to Minnetonka at $50,525/year — a difference of $400 (0.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Minnetonka?

Duluth veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.49/hr while Minnetonka hygienists earn $24.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Minnetonka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $57,369, Minnetonka = $51,294), job availability (140 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,499 in Duluth and $36,085 in Minnetonka. 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