Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sioux City, IA: $20.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sioux City, IA runs $20.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sioux City's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,043 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux City, Iowa, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay reaches a median of $20.87. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting the regional economic conditions and labor market dynamics. For those working part-time, particularly in settings such as general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals, this hourly wage can offer substantial income, especially when considering schedules that typically involve three days a week. Entry-level positions start at around $18.57 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $24.04 per hour based on BLS projections for 2026. Such figures highlight a clear trajectory for earning potential within the profession, influenced by experience, specialization, and the diverse environments in which veterinary technologists and technicians serve.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.57 | $148.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.65 | $149.22 |
| Median (P50) | $20.87 | $166.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.72 | $189.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.04 | $192.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sioux City
Based on $20.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.87/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sioux City, IA can expect to earn approximately $43,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,041. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sioux City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sioux City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $834.72 | $3,617 | $43,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $500.83 | $2,170 | $26,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $333.89 | $1,447 | $17,362 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sioux City) | $20.87 |
| 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 Sioux City, IA earn a median of $43,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.19% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 9.00% below the Iowa state average of $47,684.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.87/hr = $26,043/year (purchasing power: $30,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,405/year (purchasing power: $50,206).
CoL index: 86.454 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sioux City grew 34.1% from $14.75/hr (2019) to $19.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.02/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 Sioux 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 Sioux City
When evaluating the annual earnings potential, part-time veterinarians working three days a week at 24 hours could see a considerably lower annual income compared to full-time colleagues. This disparity becomes even more pronounced in the per-diem and agency sectors, where veterinary technologists can charge between $25 to $40 per hour, especially for specialized services. Notably, VTS-credentialed professionals often see pay elevate to $35-$55 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas for weekend or overnight emergency coverage. The hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; general practice settings generally offer lower pay compared to specialty hospitals or academic institutions. Many professionals must weigh the benefits of consistent employment against the potentially higher hourly pay found in freelance or per diem scenarios. Negotiation can be crucial in periods of labor shortage, encouraging new techs to approach discussions with clear ideas of their worth in Sioux City’s evolving marketplace.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sioux City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sioux City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Sioux City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sioux City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sioux 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 Sioux 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, 6-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