Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Council Bluffs, IA: $22.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Council Bluffs, IA runs $22.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Council Bluffs's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,610 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Council Bluffs, IA, receive a median hourly pay of $22.12, notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. For those working part-time—such as in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or even per-diem positions—the financial implications of this hourly rate can be substantial. For instance, working three days a week at this median rate results in a monthly income that may not fully meet the cost of living in the area. Council Bluffs offers a competitive hourly range, with entry-level positions starting around $16.68, while experienced professionals can earn up to $29.01, depending on their specific roles and work environments.
About the Council Bluffs 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) | $16.68 | $133.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.08 | $144.66 |
| Median (P50) | $22.12 | $176.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.21 | $217.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.01 | $232.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Council Bluffs
Based on $22.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.12/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Council Bluffs, IA can expect to earn approximately $46,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,548. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Council Bluffs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Council Bluffs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $884.93 | $3,835 | $46,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.96 | $2,301 | $27,610 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.97 | $1,534 | $18,407 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Council Bluffs) | $22.12 |
| 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 Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $46,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $47,646.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.12/hr = $27,610/year (purchasing power: $30,542).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,017/year (purchasing power: $50,903).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Council Bluffs grew 34.1% from $15.63/hr (2019) to $20.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.34/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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs
Examining the part-time earnings scenario, a veterinary technologist working 24 hours per week would generate around $27,320 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time salary at 40 hours per week. Per-diem positions yield even more variability in pay, as some technicians bill between $25 and $40 per hour, especially in emergency situations or for weekends. Specialty techs with VTS credentials can command higher rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. Hourly rates can significantly differ depending on the type of employer; for example, veterinary clinics and corporate chain hospitals may offer lower pay compared to specialty hospitals or pharmaceutical research labs. Consequently, many professionals weigh the benefits of stable employment—with potentially lower hourly pay—against higher wages in agency work that may lack health insurance or other benefits. Negotiating terms that account for location and job responsibilities is crucial for those pursuing a career in veterinary technology in Council Bluffs.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Council Bluffs in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Council Bluffs?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Council Bluffs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Council Bluffs?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Council Bluffs?
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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 Council Bluffs. 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 Council Bluffs 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