Vet Tech salary

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

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

Minneapolis, MN
$62,340
$29.97/hr
Shakopee, MN
$49,528
$23.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNShakopee, MN
Median Salary$62,340$49,528
Hourly Rate$29.97$23.81
Entry Level (P10)$51,178$40,382
25th Percentile$53,963$42,479
75th Percentile$65,115$58,405
Top Earner (P90)$70,284$62,153
Total Employed2,52011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($62,340) and Shakopee ($49,528) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MinneapolisShakopeeMedian Salary$62,340$49,528Entry Level (P10)$51,178$40,382Top Earner (P90)$70,284$62,153US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Shakopee is $12,812 (25.87%). 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 Minneapolis spans $19,106,Shakopee spans $21,771. Shakopee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$51,178
P25$53,963
Median$62,340
P75$65,115
P90 (Top)$70,284
Shakopee
P10 (Entry)$40,382
P25$42,479
Median$49,528
P75$58,405
P90 (Top)$62,153

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($59,472 effective) pays 18.28% more than Shakopee ($50,282 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $62,340
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $59,472
Shakopee
Nominal: $49,528
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $50,282

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Shakopee 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 Minneapolis grew 54.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Shakopee over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+54.8%

$38,170 (2019) → $59,090 (2025)

Shakopee, MN

+17.2%

$40,070 (2024) → $46,946 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Minneapolis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $62,340/year, compared to Shakopee at $49,528/year — a difference of $12,812 (25.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Shakopee?

Minneapolis veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29.97/hr while Shakopee hygienists earn $23.81/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Shakopee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $59,472, Shakopee = $50,282), job availability (2,520 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $51,178 in Minneapolis and $40,382 in Shakopee. 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