Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $21.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $21.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,254 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Dodge, IA, earn a median hourly rate of $21.04, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This difference can significantly impact the financial landscape for part-time workers, who may typically work three days a week in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. The hourly pay range in Fort Dodge extends from $16.97 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $25.91 for those at the top of the pay scale. This range reflects the diverse responsibilities and specializations within the field, which can vary based on the type of practice or facility, from routine care to advanced emergency procedures and research environments.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $16.97 | $135.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.76 | $142.05 |
| Median (P50) | $21.04 | $168.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.12 | $200.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.91 | $207.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $21.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $43,756 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,244. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $841.47 | $3,646 | $43,756 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $504.88 | $2,188 | $26,254 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $336.59 | $1,459 | $17,503 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fort Dodge) | $21.04 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $43,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.48% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,655.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.04/hr = $26,254/year (purchasing power: $29,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,756/year (purchasing power: $48,403).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Dodge grew 34.1% from $14.86/hr (2019) to $19.94/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.19/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
Beyond standard employment, per-diem roles present lucrative options, with many professionals in Fort Dodge billing between $25-$40 per hour for on-demand work, especially in underserved markets. Those with VTS specialty credentials may command rates as high as $55 per hour in specialty hospitals, compared to traditional hourly rates. A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would generate an income significantly lower than full-time colleagues, but the flexibility of per-diem work allows for varied earning potential. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty facilities typically offer different pay scales, balancing hourly compensation against health benefits. Professionals often face trade-offs between slightly lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits versus higher pay in per-diem work devoid of such perks. For those negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing relevant experience and specialized certifications is key, given the rising demand amid a technician workforce shortage.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Dodge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fort Dodge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Dodge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fort Dodge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Dodge?
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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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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