Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $22.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Waterloo, IA runs $22.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,697 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.1, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,624 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterloo, Iowa, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $22.94, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This average hourly wage is significant for part-time workers, such as those in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospital ICU wards, where staff may work three days a week. Those in per-diem roles can also expect competitive rates. In Waterloo, the hourly pay ranges from $18.58 for entry-level positions up to $24.14 for experienced professionals. These figures are derived from official BLS hourly data, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled veterinary staff and the diverse environments in which they operate, from university teaching hospitals to pharmaceutical research facilities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.58 | $148.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Median (P50) | $22.94 | $183.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.85 | $190.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.14 | $193.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
Based on $22.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterloo, IA can expect to earn approximately $47,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,523. With a cost-of-living index of 87.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $917.43 | $3,976 | $47,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.46 | $2,385 | $28,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.97 | $1,590 | $19,083 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Waterloo) | $22.94 |
| 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 Waterloo, IA earn a median of $47,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Iowa state average of $47,649.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.94/hr = $28,624/year (purchasing power: $32,879).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,706/year (purchasing power: $54,799).
CoL index: 87.057 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterloo grew 41.0% from $15.42/hr (2019) to $21.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.20/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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week can amount to around $28,525 annually, which is considerably lower than what full-time employees can earn. Per-diem opportunities present a different financial landscape, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and highly specialized veterinary technician specialists often commanding $35 to $55 per hour. Employers in Waterloo vary significantly in their pay scales; while general practice clinics may offer lower hourly rates, corporate chain hospitals and specialty facilities generally provide higher compensation. Many professionals must balance the allure of higher hourly wages against the benefits that come with lower-paying roles, such as health insurance. Mastery of negotiation skills specific to hourly pay in this market can also lead to better salaries, providing workers access to resources through organizations like NAVTA or the potential for VTS accreditation.
More salary data for Waterloo, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterloo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waterloo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterloo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Waterloo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waterloo?
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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 Waterloo. 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, 7-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