Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $37,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,790 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,460 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,306) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career in veterinary technology in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary is set to start at approximately $37,790 in 2026. Although this starting figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $47,306, there remains room for growth as new graduates gain experience. Early-career professionals can anticipate progression as they move toward the 25th percentile, where salaries reach $39,849, eventually working their way up to the median with a strong effort over three to five years. Given the current demand in this field, Manitowoc presents a viable market for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians, allowing for steady advancement and the potential to achieve better pay over time.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $37,790 and $39,849 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,337 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,306 — 5.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 58.22% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($37,790/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $37,790 to $39,849, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $23,337 ( 61.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,790, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,127.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,606
2025 BLS Actual
$35,820
2026 Current Est.
$37,790
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,599 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,089 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,869 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,606 in 2019 to $35,820 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,869. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, various employers actively seek new graduates, making it essential for job seekers to know their options. General practice clinics commonly recruit recent graduates, providing on-the-job training, while corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl often offer structured mentorship alongside sign-on bonuses, enhancing the appeal for new entrants. For those who wish to boost their early salary, earning a degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE national exam are crucial steps. Additionally, gaining the state credential (CVT, RVT, LVT, or equivalent) can lead to higher earning potential. While initial salaries may vary, new professionals can reasonably expect growth as they navigate their first few years. The acute shortage of veterinary technicians means many markets saw pay increases of 25-40% from 2020 to 2024, highlighting the promising prospects available for those pursuing the VTS specialty credential, which could elevate pay to the range of $30 - $45+/hour over time.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Wisconsin?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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