Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $24.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Iowa City, IA runs $24.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,204 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Iowa City, Iowa, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at a median rate of $24.20, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This compensation reflects the city's commitment to rewarding skilled professionals amidst a growing veterinary workforce shortage. Those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,171 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule. The hourly pay range in Iowa City extends from $18.95 for entry-level positions to $32.94 for experienced technicians in specialized roles. With the evolving job market dynamics, such as competition from corporate veterinary chains, these official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates indicate a supportive financial environment for both full-time and part-time veterinary staff.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.03 | $152.26 |
| Median (P50) | $24.20 | $193.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.47 | $203.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.94 | $263.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $24.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.20/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $50,340 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,042. With a cost-of-living index of 91.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.07 | $4,195 | $50,340 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.84 | $2,517 | $30,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.23 | $1,678 | $20,136 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Iowa City) | $24.20 |
| 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 Iowa City, IA earn a median of $50,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.72% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.60% above the Iowa state average of $47,675.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.20/hr = $30,204/year (purchasing power: $33,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,340/year (purchasing power: $55,010).
CoL index: 91.509 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Iowa City grew 34.1% from $17.10/hr (2019) to $22.94/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.53/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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Beyond the standard pay, the earnings potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can vary significantly. For those working three days a week, the annual income might reach approximately $61,792, substantially lower than a full-time salary but still lucrative compared to other roles. On the per diem side, pay rates often fluctuate based on urgency; per-diem roles commonly bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized technicians often earning as much as $55 an hour. Various employers in Iowa City, including general practice clinics and specialty hospitals, may offer different pay scales based on responsibilities and benefits. For instance, while some may opt for a higher hourly wage without health coverage, others prefer consistent hours with insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, it is crucial to approach discussions with clarity about market rates and to leverage credentials from NAVTA and AVMA-accredited programs as a bargaining tool for better compensation.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Iowa City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Iowa City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Iowa City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Iowa City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Iowa City?
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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 Iowa City. 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, 5-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