Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $24.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elk River, MN runs $24.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,100 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $24.09, slightly above the national hourly median of $24.03. This wage offers a reasonable income for individuals working part-time, specifically those who might schedule their shifts around three days a week, equating to roughly 24 hours of work. Typical roles for these professionals might include duties at general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU and emergency care wards, university teaching clinics, or even at zoos and pharmaceutical research facilities. According to the 2026 estimates, hourly pay ranges from $19.48 for entry-level positions to $32.25 for highly experienced or specialized technicians, reflecting both experience and the unique environment in which they work.
About the Elk River 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) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.46 | $163.65 |
| Median (P50) | $24.09 | $192.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.21 | $225.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.25 | $258.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $24.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,903. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.43 | $4,175 | $50,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.06 | $2,505 | $30,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.37 | $1,670 | $20,039 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elk River) | $24.09 |
| 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 Elk River, MN earn a median of $50,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $51,122.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.09/hr = $30,059/year (purchasing power: $30,517).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,098/year (purchasing power: $50,861).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk River grew 34.1% from $17.02/hr (2019) to $22.83/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.41/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 Elk River 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 Elk River
For those considering part-time positions, earning potential can vary significantly in Elk River. A three-day-per-week schedule for a veterinary technologist and technician would amount to annual earnings lower than that of full-time employees, yet it still offers a competitive alternative. Per-diem roles commonly see hourly rates between $25 and $40, with specialty technicians (VTS-credentialed) commanding as much as $55 per hour. Employers vary widely, from general practice clinics to corporate veterinary chains like VCA or BluePearl, each influencing pay. While some may opt for higher hourly rates in exchange for limited benefits, others might prioritize stability and health insurance offered by full-time positions. Negotiation tips for hourly workers would include knowing the local market rates and discussing the value brought to the practice, particularly during staffing shortages, which have led to increased urgency in hiring and compensation in this profession.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk River in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elk River?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk River paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Elk River?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elk River?
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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 Elk River. 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 Elk River 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