Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Duluth, MN: $24.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Duluth, MN runs $24.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,925 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Duluth's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,559 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Duluth, Minnesota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $24.49 in 2026, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly rate benefits both part-time workers, who might work around 24 hours a week, and per-diem staff, who typically engage in more flexible employment arrangements. Positions in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and even research environments allow for a diverse earning potential. Entry-level workers can expect an hourly wage around $18.99, while more experienced technicians can reach as high as $29.33, reflecting the varied levels of expertise and responsibility in this essential field. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, highlighting the growth and demand for veterinary technologists and technicians in Duluth.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.05 | $176.40 |
| Median (P50) | $24.49 | $195.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.31 | $226.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.33 | $234.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Duluth
Based on $24.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Duluth, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,932 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,384. With a cost-of-living index of 88.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Duluth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Duluth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $979.46 | $4,244 | $50,932 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $587.68 | $2,547 | $30,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.78 | $1,698 | $20,373 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Duluth) | $24.49 |
| 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 Duluth, MN earn a median of $50,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the Minnesota state average of $51,129.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.49/hr = $30,559/year (purchasing power: $34,426).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,932/year (purchasing power: $57,377).
CoL index: 88.768 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Duluth grew 34.9% from $17.20/hr (2019) to $23.21/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.83/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 Duluth 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 Duluth
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week may take home around $38,078 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts, but it provides a valuable work-life balance. Per diem and agency positions often command higher rates, typically billing between $25 and $40 an hour, and specialty credentialed veterinary technicians can demand $35 to $55 per hour, especially during critical on-call shifts. Rates often vary depending on the type of employer; general practice clinics may offer lower pay, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals tend to pay more, particularly in areas facing workforce shortages. This variation highlights the benefits trade-off, where some may choose lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance over higher pay without coverage. For those looking to negotiate hourly rates, emphasizing specialized credentials, experience, and the current demand for veterinary professionals in Duluth can provide leverage in discussions with employers.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Duluth in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Duluth?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Duluth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Duluth?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Duluth?
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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 Duluth. 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