Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, IA: $36,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,396 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,261 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,763) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Burlington, IA, can expect a starting salary around $36,396 as projected for 2026. This represents a notable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $45,763. Over the first few years, early-career professionals can anticipate gradual growth in pay, with potential earnings rising to approximately $38,339 at the 25th percentile. For those entering the workforce in Burlington, the market appears relatively favorable, particularly given the veterinary technician workforce shortage. With a growth rate of 5.50% annually, there are expectations for increased job opportunities and salary enhancements for new entrants in this field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Burlington, IA typically start between $36,396 and $38,339 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,231 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,763 — 8.45% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 54.95% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($36,396/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $36,396 to $38,339, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Burlington is $21,231 ( 58.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,396, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,627.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,698
2025 BLS Actual
$34,499
2026 Current Est.
$36,396
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,408 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,157 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,398 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,698 in 2019 to $34,499 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,398. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Burlington
New graduates interested in securing a position in Burlington's veterinary industry should consider targeting general practice clinics, as these organizations typically hire most newly minted veterinary technologists and technicians. While corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often provide structured mentorship and entry-level positions with sign-on bonuses, specialty hospitals tend to require prior experience before hiring. Completing an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program is essential, as is passing the VTNE exam. Obtaining state credentials, such as a CVT, RVT, or LVT, can further bolster initial earning potential. With the industry experiencing rising salaries, particularly after 2020, strategically seeking opportunities for VTS specialty credentialing can lead to pay rates exceeding $30-$45 per hour, making this a critical component of a new technician's career strategy in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Burlington?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Burlington?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Iowa?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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