Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $20.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dubuque, IA runs $20.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,329 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.3, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,004 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.84 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $24.03 per hour. For those in the field working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly wage provides flexibility but may limit annual income significantly. Per-diem workers in settings such as general practice clinics, veterinary specialty hospitals, and academic institutions can also see a wide range in pay based on their employer; entry-level technicians might earn around $18.57, while experienced technicians can command rates up to $24.28 per hour, depending on their role and credentials. With the veterinary technician workforce experiencing a notable shortage in recent years, the demand for qualified professionals in Dubuque remains high, emphasizing the importance of competitive compensation rates for those starting or advancing in their careers.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.57 | $148.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.69 | $149.56 |
| Median (P50) | $20.84 | $166.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.86 | $190.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.28 | $194.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $20.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.84/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $43,339 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,004. With a cost-of-living index of 87.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $833.45 | $3,612 | $43,339 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $500.07 | $2,167 | $26,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $333.38 | $1,445 | $17,336 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dubuque) | $20.84 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $43,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 9.10% below the Iowa state average of $47,667.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.84/hr = $26,004/year (purchasing power: $29,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,339/year (purchasing power: $49,628).
CoL index: 87.328 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dubuque (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 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dubuque grew 26.4% from $15.63/hr (2019) to $19.75/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.98/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Evaluating the part-time earning potential for a veterinary technologist and technician who works 24 hours a week reveals that they would take home significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts. While full-time labor typically offers more stable incomes and often includes benefits, per-diem or locum roles can be financially appealing for those willing to forgo job security for higher hourly rates. For instance, agency technicians frequently charge between $25 and $40 per hour, especially for weekend and overnight emergency coverage, which can sometimes reach $30 to $50 per hour in regions with staffing shortages. Additionally, institutions like corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral clinics in Dubuque may offer varying pay scales and benefits, influencing the decision-making process for many technicians. Negotiating for better pay can hinge on understanding these differences and the value that experience or specialized credentials bring to the table, especially for those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dubuque in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dubuque?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dubuque paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dubuque?
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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 Dubuque. 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, 6-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