Vet Tech salary

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

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

Hastings, MN
$48,720
$23.42/hr
Minneapolis, MN
$62,340
$29.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHastings, MNMinneapolis, MN
Median Salary$48,720$62,340
Hourly Rate$23.42$29.97
Entry Level (P10)$38,304$51,178
25th Percentile$40,339$53,963
75th Percentile$57,409$65,115
Top Earner (P90)$60,626$70,284
Total Employed52,520
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hastings ($48,720) and Minneapolis ($62,340) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.HastingsMinneapolisMedian Salary$48,720$62,340Entry Level (P10)$38,304$51,178Top Earner (P90)$60,626$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 Hastings.

The salary gap between Hastings and Minneapolis is $13,620 (27.96%). 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 Hastings spans $22,322,Minneapolis spans $19,106. Hastings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hastings
P10 (Entry)$38,304
P25$40,339
Median$48,720
P75$57,409
P90 (Top)$60,626
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 20.24% more than Hastings ($49,462 effective).

Hastings
Nominal: $48,720
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $49,462
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 Hastings 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 Hastings grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.8% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.

Hastings, MN

+17.2%

$39,415 (2024) → $46,180 (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: Hastings or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $62,340/year, compared to Hastings at $48,720/year — a difference of $13,620 (27.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Minneapolis?

Hastings veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.42/hr while Minneapolis hygienists earn $29.97/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hastings and Minneapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hastings = $49,462, Minneapolis = $59,472), job availability (5 vs 2,520 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,304 in Hastings 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