Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Marion, IA: $22.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Marion, IA runs $22.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,123 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, Iowa, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $22.53 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This figure offers an insight into the income potential within diverse work settings, such as general practice clinics and specialty hospitals, where shifts may span weekdays, weekends, or evenings. For those opting for part-time work, typically three days a week, the low-end of the hourly range begins at $17.14 for entry-level positions, while experienced professionals, particularly those in high-demand specialties, can reach up to $28.86 per hour. Understanding these hourly rates is essential for individuals considering careers in veterinary medicine, especially as they navigate the impact of corporate consolidation on pay scales and job opportunities.
About the Marion 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) | $17.14 | $137.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.37 | $146.94 |
| Median (P50) | $22.53 | $180.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.99 | $215.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.86 | $230.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $22.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.53/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, IA can expect to earn approximately $46,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,042. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $901.39 | $3,906 | $46,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $540.84 | $2,344 | $28,123 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.56 | $1,562 | $18,749 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Marion) | $22.53 |
| 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 Marion, IA earn a median of $46,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $47,675.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.53/hr = $28,123/year (purchasing power: $31,110).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,872/year (purchasing power: $51,850).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Marion grew 34.1% from $15.92/hr (2019) to $21.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.77/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 Marion 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 Marion
Evaluating the earning potential highlights the difference between part-time and full-time work in the veterinary field. A veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week at 24 hours total can expect to take home around $26,070 annually, considerably lower than a full-time technician's income. In contrast, per-diem roles often yield significantly higher pay; many per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Marion can bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty roles reaching $35 to $55 per hour in areas like emergency care. As employers across Marion—ranging from independent veterinary clinics to corporate chains—offer varying hourly rates, individuals should weigh the benefits of potentially lower hourly earnings in full-time positions that provide health insurance against higher wages in per-diem roles that lack benefits. When negotiating pay, clearly understanding market rates and showcasing relevant credentials, particularly VTS specialty certification, can empower technicians to secure better compensation.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Marion in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Marion?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Marion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Marion?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Marion?
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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 Marion. 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 Marion 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