Vet Tech salary

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

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

Minneapolis, MN
$62,340
$29.97/hr
Winona, MN
$48,461
$23.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNWinona, MN
Median Salary$62,340$48,461
Hourly Rate$29.97$23.29
Entry Level (P10)$51,178$37,997
25th Percentile$53,963$40,294
75th Percentile$65,115$57,733
Top Earner (P90)$70,284$61,777
Total Employed2,5204
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($62,340) and Winona ($48,461) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MinneapolisWinonaMedian Salary$62,340$48,461Entry Level (P10)$51,178$37,997Top Earner (P90)$70,284$61,777US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Winona is $13,879 (28.64%). 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,Winona spans $23,780. Winona 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
Winona
P10 (Entry)$37,997
P25$40,294
Median$48,461
P75$57,733
P90 (Top)$61,777

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($59,472 effective) pays 20.88% more than Winona ($49,199 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $62,340
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $59,472
Winona
Nominal: $48,461
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $49,199

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 Winona 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 Winona over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+54.8%

$38,170 (2019) → $59,090 (2025)

Winona, MN

+17.2%

$39,206 (2024) → $45,935 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Minneapolis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $62,340/year, compared to Winona at $48,461/year — a difference of $13,879 (28.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Winona?

Minneapolis veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29.97/hr while Winona hygienists earn $23.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Winona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $59,472, Winona = $49,199), job availability (2,520 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $51,178 in Minneapolis and $37,997 in Winona. 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