Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $22.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Burlington, IA runs $22.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,763 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is set at a median of $22.00 as projected for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, highlighting a regional difference that may influence the career choices for individuals entering this field. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates into steady earnings over a typical schedule while providing flexibility. Additionally, per-diem workers who fill temporary positions in various settings—ranging from general practice clinics and specialty hospitals to university teaching hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities—can find themselves within a competitive hourly range of $17.50 to $27.70 based on experience and employer type. New entrants may start closer to the lower end, while seasoned professionals can command higher wages, reflecting their specialized skills and training.
About the Burlington 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) | $17.50 | $140.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.43 | $147.45 |
| Median (P50) | $22.00 | $175.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.13 | $209.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.70 | $221.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $22.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.00/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $45,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,396. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $879.87 | $3,813 | $45,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $527.92 | $2,288 | $27,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.95 | $1,525 | $18,301 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Burlington) | $22.00 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $45,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.45% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $47,670.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.00/hr = $27,452/year (purchasing power: $30,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,753/year (purchasing power: $50,612).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burlington grew 34.1% from $15.54/hr (2019) to $20.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.21/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Burlington
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 24-hour week, their annual earnings can significantly differ from full-time colleagues. While a full-time position may yield stable benefits, many part-timers find it appealing to balance work with other commitments, earning a substantial income despite fewer hours. Per-diem rates can vary widely; many techs bill between $25-$40 per hour, with those possessing VTS credentials often earning as much as $35-$55 per hour. In addition, weekend and overnight roles at busy emergency hospitals typically command $30-$50 per hour due to acute staffing shortages. The type of facility can also impact hourly pay—variety arises among general practices, corporate chains, specialty referral hospitals, and academic institutions, leading to varying salary expectations. Some technologists may opt for lower pay in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others prioritize higher rates without employer-sponsored coverage. Negotiation remains essential in this job market; new hires should consider their skill set and current market rates while assessing their priorities regarding benefits and financial goals.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Burlington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Burlington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Iowa
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 Burlington. 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 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