Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $23.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Austin, MN runs $23.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,365 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,019 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Austin, MN, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $23.25. This figure is slightly below the national median of $24.03. For those considering part-time work—such as three-day workweeks—this hourly rate translates to approximately $36,576 annually, which is a viable option for many in the field. Entry-level technicians may earn about $17.37 per hour, with those who advance to higher levels of expertise, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), reaching upwards of $29.55 per hour. These figures are essential for individuals working in diverse settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and academic clinics, reflecting the varied financial landscape within the veterinary care sector.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.37 | $138.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Median (P50) | $23.25 | $186.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.65 | $221.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.55 | $236.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $23.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.25/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $48,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,903. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.09 | $4,030 | $48,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.05 | $2,418 | $29,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.04 | $1,612 | $19,346 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Austin) | $23.25 |
| 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 Austin, MN earn a median of $48,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.24% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $51,126.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.25/hr = $29,019/year (purchasing power: $29,461).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,365/year (purchasing power: $49,101).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Austin grew 34.1% from $16.43/hr (2019) to $22.04/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.53/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 Austin 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 Austin
For veterinary technologists and technicians contemplating part-time roles, working 24 hours per week brings in a different earnings picture compared to full-time engagement. With per diem opportunities, individuals can command varied rates, often billing between $25 to $40 per hour, escalating for specialists or for those willing to cover overnight shifts in high-demand settings. In Austin, corporate veterinary clinics may offer lower hourly rates, but they often provide benefits, creating a trade-off that many technologists must consider. Working for specialty hospitals or high-stress ERs could yield hourly rates of up to $50, drawing workers from less lucrative positions. Those looking to negotiate pay should emphasize their credentials, experience, and the urgent need for qualified professionals in today's veterinary workforce, given the industry’s rising demand and skilled labor shortages.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Austin?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Austin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Austin?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Austin?
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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 Austin. 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 Austin 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