Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Inver Grove Heights, MN: $24.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Inver Grove Heights, MN runs $24.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,127 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Inver Grove Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Inver Grove Heights, MN, stands at a median of $24.10, offering a slight edge over the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate serves as a potential hallmark for part-time professionals working three days a week, translating to an approximate $46,944 annual income. Workers in per-diem roles often find themselves in diverse settings, like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or university teaching hospital clinics, where they can expect hourly pay ranging from $18.24 for entry-level roles to $32.29 for top earners. It’s essential to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, providing a clear view of what various roles might earn based on their experience and work environment.
About the Inver Grove Heights 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) | $18.24 | $145.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.56 | $156.48 |
| Median (P50) | $24.10 | $192.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.24 | $225.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.29 | $258.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inver Grove Heights
Based on $24.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inver Grove Heights, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,120 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,915. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Inver Grove Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.85 | $4,177 | $50,120 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.31 | $2,506 | $30,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.54 | $1,671 | $20,048 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Inver Grove Heights) | $24.10 |
| 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 Inver Grove Heights, MN earn a median of $50,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $51,150.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.10/hr = $30,072/year (purchasing power: $30,530).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,120/year (purchasing power: $50,883).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Inver Grove Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights grew 34.1% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.42/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 Inver Grove Heights 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 Inver Grove Heights
For those seeking part-time employment, taking on a role as a veterinary technologist or technician for 24 hours a week can yield an annual take-home pay considerably lower than full-time colleagues, but it still offers flexibility that many value. Per-diem workers, who often charge between $25 to $40 per hour, experience the volatility of agency positions, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs potentially earning $35 to $55 per hour in high-demand situations. Some hospitals even offer $30 to $50 per hour for urgent weekend or overnight shifts. Employers range from general practice clinics to corporate chain hospitals and specialized facilities, leading to varied pay scales. While some may take lower hourly offers for the stability of health benefits, others negotiate higher rates for flexibility. Insightful negotiation increases one's worth, and understanding the local market dynamics in Inver Grove Heights is crucial.
More salary data for Inver Grove Heights, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Inver Grove Heights?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Inver Grove Heights?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Inver Grove Heights?
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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 Inver Grove Heights. 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 Inver Grove Heights 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