Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Clinton, IA: $21.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Clinton, IA runs $21.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,833 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Iowa, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $21.50, which falls below the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy highlights the economic challenges within the region, particularly for part-time and per-diem professionals. Those working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) may find themselves earning a consistent wage, but it may not provide the financial stability typically sought in full-time roles. The hourly rate in Clinton ranges from $17.50 for entry-level positions up to $27.42 for those at the 90th percentile, making the earning potential diverse, depending on experience and specific work settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or research facilities. These figures are reflective of projections derived from annual salary estimates and give valuable insight into the compensation landscape for veterinary services in the area.
About the Clinton 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) | $18.24 | $145.93 |
| Median (P50) | $21.50 | $172.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.75 | $206.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.42 | $219.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $21.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.50/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, IA can expect to earn approximately $44,722 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,801. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $860.04 | $3,727 | $44,722 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.02 | $2,236 | $26,833 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.01 | $1,491 | $17,889 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Clinton) | $21.50 |
| 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 Clinton, IA earn a median of $44,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,679.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.50/hr = $26,833/year (purchasing power: $29,683).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,722/year (purchasing power: $49,471).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clinton grew 34.1% from $15.19/hr (2019) to $20.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.68/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 Clinton 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 Clinton
Navigating the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians is essential for those considering a flexible work schedule. A 3-day workweek at the median hourly rate translates to around $33,600 annually, significantly less than what a full-time role could yield. Additionally, per-diem roles often allow for a greater earning capacity, with rates commonly ranging from $25 to $40 per hour and even higher for VTS-credentialed specialists. Weekend or overnight shifts can push rates up to $30-$50 per hour, especially in urgent care settings experiencing workforce shortages. Furthermore, compensation may vary greatly across different employer types in Clinton, from traditional veterinary practices to corporate chains and specialty hospitals. It's important to weigh the benefits of full-time employment, which may offer health insurance and stable hours, against the potentially higher hourly pay of freelance or per-diem positions that come without benefits. For those seeking negotiation leverage, understanding the local demand and being aware of the pay scale trends can greatly influence their discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clinton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Clinton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Clinton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Clinton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Clinton?
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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 Clinton. 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 Clinton 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