Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cedar Rapids, IA: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cedar Rapids, IA runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cedar Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,268 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $22.65 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly rate offers a practical insight for both part-time workers, who may typically see around $18,000 to $22,000 annually working three days a week, and those engaged in per-diem roles. Veterinary technologists and technicians often find employment in various settings including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and even in research laboratories. The hourly range in Cedar Rapids runs from $18.77 for entry-level positions to upward of $24.38 for experienced technicians, which can make a significant difference in their financial planning and choice of workplace.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.77 | $150.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.30 | $154.37 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.38 | $195.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Rapids
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Rapids, IA can expect to earn approximately $47,114 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,181. With a cost-of-living index of 88.96 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.03 | $3,926 | $47,114 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.62 | $2,356 | $28,268 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.41 | $1,570 | $18,846 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cedar Rapids) | $22.65 |
| 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 Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $47,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,678.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,268/year (purchasing power: $31,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,114/year (purchasing power: $52,959).
CoL index: 88.963 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cedar Rapids grew 26.8% from $16.93/hr (2019) to $21.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.90/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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians employed three days a week may take home around $21,168 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but often offering flexibility. Standalone per-diem positions can be more lucrative; some bill up to $40 per hour, particularly in specialties or emergency care situations during peak times. Employers in Cedar Rapids, such as corporate veterinary chains, specialty hospitals, and zoo medical units, may vary widely in hourly pay, with certain positions offering better benefits at lower hourly rates or higher pay with no benefits at all. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for professionals in the field. Negotiating for fair compensation can be vital, especially given the rising demand for vet techs, which has led to increased wages across many sectors in recent years, exploring both hourly rates and total compensation packages allows for better work-life balance and financial management.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cedar Rapids?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cedar Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cedar Rapids?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cedar Rapids?
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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 Cedar Rapids. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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