Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $21.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Waukee, IA runs $21.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,597 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,360 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate stands at $21.92, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate greatly influences the earning potential for part-time workers, especially those seeking per-diem opportunities in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and research facilities. For individuals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to weekly earnings that can vary significantly based on experience and responsibilities. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $17.30, while those reaching the top of the pay scale in Waukee can make as much as $26.70. It's essential to note that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries.
About the Waukee 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) | $17.30 | $138.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.26 | $146.10 |
| Median (P50) | $21.92 | $175.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.48 | $203.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.70 | $213.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $21.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $45,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,307. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $876.92 | $3,800 | $45,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $526.15 | $2,280 | $27,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.77 | $1,520 | $18,240 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Waukee) | $21.92 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $45,597 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $47,646.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.92/hr = $27,360/year (purchasing power: $30,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,600/year (purchasing power: $50,442).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waukee grew 34.1% from $15.49/hr (2019) to $20.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.13/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
Exploring the financial implications of part-time employment, a veterinary technologist and technician working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could expect to take home approximately $27,256 annually. In contrast, full-time workers can considerably surpass this amount, reflecting the varying commitments in these roles. Per-diem and agency veterinary technicians often command higher rates, billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour depending on the demand and their qualifications, especially in locations facing staffing shortages. Such specialists, particularly those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, may earn between $35 and $55 per hour in specialized settings. Salary variations exist across employer types in Waukee; for example, corporate chain hospitals may offer less compared to upscale specialty referral hospitals or university teaching hospitals. Many technicians face a choice between higher hourly wages without benefits or more stable pay with health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly pay, understanding the unique dynamics of Waukee's market and the trade-offs in employment benefits is crucial for making informed decisions.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waukee in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waukee?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Waukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Waukee?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waukee?
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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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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