Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ankeny, IA: $22.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ankeny, IA runs $22.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,317 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ankeny's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ankeny, Iowa, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.27, which is lower than the national median of $24.03. This figure is particularly relevant for those seeking part-time work, as a 3-day workweek could result in an approximate income of $1,005.12 weekly—a significant consideration for individuals balancing this role with other commitments. The hourly rate spans from $17.10 for entry-level positions to $30.23 for more experienced or specialized technicians. The variety of environments these professionals may find themselves in, such as general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals, influences their pay. Notably, the hourly rates presented here are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting broader market trends while offering insights into what a veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay might look like in Ankeny for 2026.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.10 | $136.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.36 | $146.86 |
| Median (P50) | $22.27 | $178.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.58 | $220.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.23 | $241.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ankeny
Based on $22.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.27/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ankeny, IA can expect to earn approximately $46,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,725. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ankeny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ankeny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.84 | $3,860 | $46,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.51 | $2,316 | $27,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.34 | $1,544 | $18,530 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ankeny) | $22.27 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ankeny, IA earn a median of $46,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $47,651.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.27/hr = $27,794/year (purchasing power: $30,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,324/year (purchasing power: $51,243).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ankeny grew 34.1% from $15.74/hr (2019) to $21.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Ankeny
Looking at the earning potential for part-time veterinarians, a technician working just 24 hours a week would earn around $52,367 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. However, for those seeking flexibility, per-diem opportunities present a lucrative path, with rates varying between $25-$40 per hour, and specialized veterinary technician specialists (VTS) commanding $35-$55 per hour in specialty settings. Contrastingly, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency care can afford rates rising to $30-$50 per hour in markets facing staff shortages. Hourly rates vary widely depending on the employer; corporate chains may offer steady hours but potentially lower pay, while specialty facilities could provide enticing rates but with less predictable schedules. For many, the choice comes down to a trade-off between hourly wages and the benefits associated with full-time work. Negotiating hourly pay effectively in Ankeny can hinge on showcasing specialized skills or VTS credentials, which are increasingly recognized within the industry, helping technicians secure better compensation in a labor market increasingly aware of the veterinary workforce shortages.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ankeny in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ankeny?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ankeny paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ankeny?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ankeny?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ankeny. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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