Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Plymouth, MN: $36,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,273 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,825 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,606) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a veterinary technologist or technician in Plymouth, Minnesota, presents new graduates with an entry-level pay range that varies significantly. Expect an initial salary around $36,273, which is below the median annual salary in Plymouth of $50,606. This gap of nearly $14,000 illustrates the common starting point for newcomers in the field, but there's room for growth. In the first three to five years, as experience is gained, many can transition to annual salaries closer to $42,815 or even reach the city median, benefiting from the anticipated industry growth rate of 5.50%. Plymouth currently offers a supportive environment for recent graduates, particularly given the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage, which signals potential for better starting pay in the future.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Plymouth, MN typically start between $36,273 and $42,815 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,310 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,606 — 1.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 77.19% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($36,273/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $36,273 to $42,815, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate 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 Plymouth is $29,310 ( 80.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,273, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,583.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,618
2025 BLS Actual
$34,382
2026 Current Est.
$36,273
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,618 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,922 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,268 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,618 in 2019 to $34,382 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,268. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
In Plymouth, several employers actively recruit recent graduates for veterinary technologist and technician positions, primarily general practice clinics that offer hands-on experience. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl not only provide structured mentorship but often deliver sign-on bonuses to attract new talent. However, specialty hospitals typically seek candidates with 1-2 years of general experience before hiring. To enhance earning potential, newcomers should ensure they have completed an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), and obtained relevant state credentials such as CVT, RVT, or LVT. As the institution of the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentialing pathway rises in prominence, new graduates could consider pursuing this for higher pay opportunities, as salaries can reach between $30 and $45+ per hour for specialized roles. In the first three years of employment, realistic salary growth could be expected, reflecting increased demand, potential annual raises, and the vital nature of continued education within the industry.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Plymouth?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Minnesota?
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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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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