Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cottage Grove, MN: $24.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cottage Grove, MN runs $24.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,469 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cottage Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottage Grove, Minnesota, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.26, which is slightly above the national median of $24.03. This hourly pay reflects the profession's responsibility in various settings, such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions, making it feasible for part-time workers or those taking per-diem positions. Working three days a week, a technician would earn approximately $1,712 per month, balancing work-life commitments while still making a substantial income. The pay range for these professionals spans from $18.64 at entry-level positions to $30.48 for those at the top of the pay scale, demonstrating significant opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as experience and certifications grow.
About the Cottage Grove 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) | $18.64 | $149.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.90 | $159.18 |
| Median (P50) | $24.26 | $194.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.63 | $229.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.48 | $243.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cottage Grove
Based on $24.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cottage Grove, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,118. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cottage Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cottage Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $970.60 | $4,206 | $50,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.36 | $2,524 | $30,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.24 | $1,682 | $20,188 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cottage Grove) | $24.26 |
| 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 Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $50,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.97% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $51,134.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.26/hr = $30,283/year (purchasing power: $30,744).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,471/year (purchasing power: $51,240).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cottage Grove grew 34.1% from $17.15/hr (2019) to $23.00/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.60/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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
For those considering part-time work as veterinary technologists and technicians in Cottage Grove, the annual take-home for a 24-hour workweek greatly differs from full-time earnings. Per-diem pay can significantly enhance flexibility, with billing rates typically between $25 and $40 per hour. VTS-credentialed specialists often command $35 to $55 per hour, and weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed facilities can reach $30 to $50 hourly. This variability influences decision-making for many professionals, especially regarding benefits—some may choose lower hourly wages for the security of health benefits, while others prioritize hourly rates without benefits. Employers also play a crucial role in establishing pay scales, with general practices generally offering lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. For those in Cottage Grove, negotiating hourly pay can benefit from transparency about typical rates and benefit offerings within the local job market.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cottage Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cottage Grove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cottage Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cottage Grove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cottage Grove?
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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 Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove 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