Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in North Liberty, IA: $21.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in North Liberty, IA runs $21.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against North Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,965 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In North Liberty, Iowa, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.61, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This difference can impact part-time and per-diem workers who often fill roles in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a meaningful but often modest income. The hourly pay in this region ranges from $16.61 for entry-level positions to $27.76 for experienced technicians. Such estimates are derived from the anticipated annual salary data projected for 2026, indicating an essential framework for understanding compensation in the local veterinary field.
About the North Liberty 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) | $16.61 | $132.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Median (P50) | $21.61 | $172.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.01 | $208.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.76 | $222.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Liberty
Based on $21.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Liberty, IA can expect to earn approximately $44,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,928. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $864.26 | $3,745 | $44,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $518.55 | $2,247 | $26,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.70 | $1,498 | $17,977 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (North Liberty) | $21.61 |
| 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 North Liberty, IA earn a median of $44,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.08% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $47,662.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.61/hr = $26,965/year (purchasing power: $29,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,941/year (purchasing power: $49,714).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Liberty grew 34.1% from $15.27/hr (2019) to $20.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.79/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 North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Exploring the earnings potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals significant variations. Individuals working 24 hours a week at the stated rate would result in an annual income noticeably less than full-time counterparts, impacting long-term financial stability. Additionally, per-diem veterinary technologists can expect to earn between $25 and $40 per hour, and those with VTS specialty credentials might command rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. Hospitals seeking overnight or weekend emergency coverage often pay from $30 to $50 per hour, especially in regions facing staffing shortages. Employers such as general practice clinics typically offer lower rates compared to specialty referral hospitals or pharmaceutical research facilities. Thus, many professionals weigh the trade-offs between higher wages without benefits and lower pay that includes health insurance options. For those negotiating hourly rates in North Liberty, being aware of these dynamics can lead to more informed discussions about pay scales, particularly amid ongoing workforce shortages and industry demands.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Liberty in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in North Liberty?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in North Liberty paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in North Liberty?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Liberty?
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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 North Liberty. 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 North Liberty 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