Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $21.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Urbandale, IA runs $21.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.89 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate provides a framework for both part-time and per-diem professionals operating in various settings, such as general practice clinics and specialty hospitals. For example, a veterinary technologist working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,050 weekly, making this a viable option for those balancing other commitments or studies related to veterinary medicine. Entry-level positions in this field may start at approximately $17.43 per hour, with experienced specialists earning up to $28.19. It's essential to consider that these projections are based on annual salary estimates and may vary based on experience and specific workplace environments.
About the Urbandale 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) | $17.43 | $139.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.42 | $147.36 |
| Median (P50) | $21.89 | $175.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.30 | $210.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.19 | $225.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $21.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $45,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,270. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $875.65 | $3,794 | $45,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.39 | $2,277 | $27,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.26 | $1,518 | $18,214 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Urbandale) | $21.89 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $45,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $47,682.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.89/hr = $27,320/year (purchasing power: $30,222).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,534/year (purchasing power: $50,369).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Urbandale grew 34.1% from $15.47/hr (2019) to $20.75/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.10/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time veterinary technologists reveals interesting earning dynamics. Those working 24 hours a week might take home about $27,099 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts who earn based on a 40-hour work week. Moreover, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Urbandale can vary widely, with many professionals billing $25 to $40 per hour. Furthermore, VTS-credentialed specialists can command rates between $35 and $55, particularly in critical care settings. The type of employer matters too; general practice clinics typically offer lower hourly rates compared to corporate chains or specialized hospitals, which may provide higher compensation due to their extensive benefits packages. Negotiating these figures requires understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and the value of health insurance and other benefits, making it critical for veterinary technologists in Urbandale to assess their individual needs and market conditions effectively.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Urbandale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Urbandale?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Urbandale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Urbandale?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Urbandale?
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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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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