Vet Tech salary

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.

$50,127
Median Annual Salary
$24.10/hr
Hourly Rate
$37,947
Entry Level (P10)
$67,168
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Inver Grove Heights earning $24.10/hr would make approximately $28,915 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $50,120 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$28,915Reduced (32 hr/wk)$38,554Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$50,120

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.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$192.77
per 8hr shift
$963.85
per week
$4,177
per month
$50,120
per year

Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Inver Grove Heights ($50,127) with Minnesota average ($51,150) and the US national median ($49,986).Inver Grove Heights$50,127Minnesota Avg$51,150-2.00%US National$49,986+0.28%

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 (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 Inver Grove Heights. Baseline $17.03/hr in 2025, projected to $25.42/hr by 2027.$15$18$21$24$272019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.03$17.48$17.76$18.43$21.09$19.50$22.84$24.10$25.42
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.03/hrActual
2020$17.48/hrActual
2021$17.76/hrActual
2022$18.43/hrActual
2023$21.09/hrActual
2024$19.50/hrActual
2025$22.84/hrActual
2026(current)$24.10/hrEstimated
2027$25.42/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inver Grove Heights 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights is $24.10/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $18.24 at entry level (10th percentile) to $32.29 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.3% 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 Inver Grove Heights?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Inver Grove Heights earns approximately $2,506/month, or $30,072/year at the median hourly rate of $24.10. 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 Inver Grove Heights paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights are paid hourly at a median rate of $24.10/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $50,120/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 Inver Grove Heights?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Inver Grove Heights earns approximately $50,120/year at the median hourly rate of $24.10. This is 0.3% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $67,171/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 Inver Grove Heights?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Inver Grove Heights sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $32.29/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.

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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 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).

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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