Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Davenport, IA: $22.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Davenport, IA runs $22.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Davenport's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.1, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,571 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Davenport, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $22.89, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This discrepancy offers insights into the local job market, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. Those employed on a part-time basis, such as three days a week, can expect to earn a stable income while balancing work and other commitments. Moreover, per-diem options in various settings—including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or veterinary schools—allow for flexibility and can sometimes lead to hourly rates closer to that of national averages. The hourly earnings for this profession range from $18.92 for entry-level positions to $24.40 for top earners, reflecting the skill and experience level of the workforce.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.18 | $153.44 |
| Median (P50) | $22.89 | $183.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.17 | $193.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.40 | $195.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davenport
Based on $22.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davenport, IA can expect to earn approximately $47,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,472. With a cost-of-living index of 89.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Davenport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davenport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.74 | $3,968 | $47,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.44 | $2,381 | $28,571 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.30 | $1,587 | $19,047 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Davenport) | $22.89 |
| 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 Davenport, IA earn a median of $47,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.73% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Iowa state average of $47,670.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.89/hr = $28,571/year (purchasing power: $32,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,618/year (purchasing power: $53,456).
CoL index: 89.079 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Davenport (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 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Davenport grew 37.9% from $15.74/hr (2019) to $21.70/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.15/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 Davenport 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 Davenport
Analyzing the earning potentials for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield a different annual income compared to full-time positions; although the consistent income from such a part-time schedule is appealing, it may limit benefits that full-time employees often receive, such as health insurance. Per-diem arrangements can also significantly influence hourly earnings, with common billing rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for temporary roles, while specialty credentialed technicians commanding higher rates of $35 to $55. Employer types play a critical role in compensation structures; general practice clinics may provide lower rates compared to corporate-owned hospitals or specialty referral centers. It’s essential for professionals in Davenport to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates with comprehensive insurance. Negotiating hourly pay should focus on experience, skills, and the demand for veterinary services locally, particularly in a market grappling with workforce shortages.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Davenport in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Davenport?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Davenport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Davenport?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Davenport?
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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 Davenport. 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