Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Owatonna, MN: $24.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Owatonna, MN runs $24.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,762 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Owatonna's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owatonna, Minnesota, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly wage of $24.40, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This compensation reflects the growing recognition of the important roles these professionals play in animal healthcare settings, from general veterinary practices to specialized facilities. For part-time workers who typically engage in shifts of three days per week, this hourly rate can translate into a meaningful income while allowing for flexibility in work schedules. Entry-level wages in the field start at around $18.25 per hour, with seasoned professionals or those in specialized roles earning up to $30.88 per hour. This range indicates the diverse opportunities available, necessitating ongoing education and development, such as pursuing credentials through organizations like NAVTA or AVMA CVTEA.
About the Owatonna 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) | $18.25 | $146.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.64 | $157.15 |
| Median (P50) | $24.40 | $195.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.01 | $232.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.88 | $247.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owatonna
Based on $24.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owatonna, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,756 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,283. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owatonna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owatonna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.09 | $4,230 | $50,756 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.65 | $2,538 | $30,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.43 | $1,692 | $20,303 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Owatonna) | $24.40 |
| 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 Owatonna, MN earn a median of $50,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $51,120.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.40/hr = $30,454/year (purchasing power: $30,918).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,756/year (purchasing power: $51,529).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Owatonna grew 34.1% from $17.24/hr (2019) to $23.13/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.74/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 Owatonna 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 Owatonna
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians who work 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $30,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who work 40 hours per week. In addition, per diem or locum tenens roles can offer varied pay rates, with per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Owatonna frequently ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. Those with VTS credentials often command rates between $35 and $55 per hour, especially during weekend and overnight shifts due to staffing shortages. Hourly rates often differ widely based on employer type, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities generally offering higher compensation. While some may opt for positions with lower pay but better benefits, like health insurance, it’s essential for technicians to evaluate their priorities carefully. Effective negotiation is key; being informed about prevailing wages in Owatonna can empower technicians to advocate for better hourly rates and conditions in this dynamic employment market.
More salary data for Owatonna, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Owatonna in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Owatonna?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Owatonna paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Owatonna?
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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 Owatonna. 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 Owatonna 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