Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $21.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Muscatine, IA runs $21.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,512 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $21.40, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This difference can significantly impact professionals working in various settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a steady income that can support a modest lifestyle, while per-diem workers might find themselves with flexible but variable earning potential. The hourly range for this occupation in Muscatine spans from $17.89 at the lower end to $27.05 at the higher end, reflecting the diverse entry-level and experience-driven roles within the field.
About the Muscatine 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) | $17.89 | $143.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.52 | $148.12 |
| Median (P50) | $21.40 | $171.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.52 | $204.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.05 | $216.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $21.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $44,502 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,674. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $855.82 | $3,709 | $44,502 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $513.49 | $2,225 | $26,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $342.33 | $1,483 | $17,801 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Muscatine) | $21.40 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $44,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $47,657.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.40/hr = $26,701/year (purchasing power: $29,537).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,502/year (purchasing power: $49,228).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Muscatine grew 34.1% from $15.12/hr (2019) to $20.28/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.57/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could take home a substantial amount compared to full-time colleagues, especially if they strategize around their schedule. Per-diem veterinary technologists often see billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, whereas those with Veterinary Technician Specialist credentials can command rates from $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand specialty areas. In Muscatine, the hourly earnings can differ significantly based on employer type; for instance, corporate chain hospitals and specialty hospitals may pay more than general practice clinics. The choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits and a lower rate with health insurance reflects a broader trend in the veterinary field, which continues to face workforce shortages. Negotiation is crucial in this environment, as advocating for additional perks or scheduling flexibility can influence overall compensation, making it essential for workers to be well-informed about local pay scales and expectations.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Muscatine?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Muscatine?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
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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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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