Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chaska, MN: $24.30 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chaska, MN runs $24.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,322 per year.

$50,537
Median Annual Salary
$24.30/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,943
Entry Level (P10)
$63,623
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Chaska, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Chaska, MN veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska, Minnesota, earn a median hourly rate of $24.30, slightly above the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate is reflective of the growing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary care, especially in diverse environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. The hourly pay ranges from $18.73 for entry-level positions to $30.58 for experienced technicians, which indicates ample opportunity for advancement. This flexibility allows part-time (3 days per week) and per-diem workers to balance their personal commitments while still earning a competitive wage. In settings like emergency wards or teaching hospitals, the hourly compensation can significantly influence the approach to work-life balance—essential for maintaining job satisfaction in such a demanding field.

About the Chaska Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.73$149.81
Lower Range (P25)$19.96$159.68
Median (P50)$24.30$194.37
Upper Range (P75)$28.71$229.65
Top Earners (P90)$30.58$244.68

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chaska

Based on $24.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Chaska earning $24.30/hr would make approximately $29,156 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $50,537 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$29,156Reduced (32 hr/wk)$38,875Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$50,537

At $24.30/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chaska, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,156. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chaska.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$194.37
per 8hr shift
$971.87
per week
$4,211
per month
$50,537
per year

Schedule Comparison in Chaska

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$971.87$4,211$50,537
Part-Time (24 hrs)$583.12$2,527$30,322
Per Diem (16 hrs)$388.75$1,685$20,215

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chaska)$24.30
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Chaska ($50,537) with Minnesota average ($51,150) and the US national median ($49,986).Chaska$50,537Minnesota Avg$51,150-1.20%US National$49,986+1.10%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chaska, MN earn a median of $50,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $51,150.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $24.30/hr = $30,322/year (purchasing power: $30,784).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,537/year (purchasing power: $51,307).

CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$17.17/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$23.03/hr

2026 Current Est.

$24.30/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chaska (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska. Baseline $17.17/hr in 2025, projected to $25.63/hr by 2027.$15$18$21$24$272019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.17$17.62$17.91$18.59$21.26$19.66$23.03$24.30$25.63
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.17/hrActual
2020$17.62/hrActual
2021$17.91/hrActual
2022$18.59/hrActual
2023$21.26/hrActual
2024$19.66/hrActual
2025$23.03/hrActual
2026(current)$24.30/hrEstimated
2027$25.63/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska grew 34.1% from $17.17/hr (2019) to $23.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.63/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Chaska

Considering part-time roles, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week can expect an annual income of around $30,358, while full-time counterparts may earn substantially more. Furthermore, the per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Chaska can range from $25 to $40 an hour, with those holding VTS credentials often commanding $35 to $55 per hour in specialized roles. Weekends or overnight shifts in emergency settings may yield even higher rates, reflecting a need for coverage in understaffed locations. Hourly rates can also vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with corporate chains typically offering lower wages compared to specialty or research facilities where benefits may weigh into compensation packages. Negotiating hourly rates can enhance earning potential, particularly in light of the recent industry-wide pay increases driven by a workforce shortage, empowering technicians to seek opportunities that align with their financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska is $24.30/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $18.73 at entry level (10th percentile) to $30.58 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chaska?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Chaska earns approximately $2,527/month, or $30,322/year at the median hourly rate of $24.30. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska are paid hourly at a median rate of $24.30/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $50,537/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chaska?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Chaska earns approximately $50,537/year at the median hourly rate of $24.30. This is 1.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $63,616/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chaska?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Chaska sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $30.58/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 Chaska. 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 Chaska is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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