Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Prior Lake, MN: $24.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Prior Lake, MN runs $24.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,048 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Prior Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,033 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Prior Lake, Minnesota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $24.06, slightly surpassing the national median of $24.03. This rate is encouraging for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those in roles within general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals. Part-time workers operating three days a week may appreciate the flexibility, allowing for a total of around $24,000 annually, which can be quite appealing for those balancing personal commitments or pursuing advanced education. The hourly wage range for this profession varies widely, from an entry-level pay of $18.12 per hour to top earners making $32.10 per hour. Estimates derived from annual salary figures highlight the potential for growth within this field as more facilities continue to expand, aiming to address the increasing demand for qualified veterinary staff.
About the Prior Lake 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) | $18.12 | $145.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Median (P50) | $24.06 | $192.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.17 | $225.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.10 | $256.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prior Lake
Based on $24.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prior Lake, MN can expect to earn approximately $50,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,877. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prior Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prior Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.58 | $4,171 | $50,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.55 | $2,503 | $30,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.03 | $1,668 | $20,022 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Prior Lake) | $24.06 |
| 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 Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $50,048 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $51,122.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.06/hr = $30,033/year (purchasing power: $30,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,054/year (purchasing power: $50,817).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Prior Lake grew 34.1% from $17.00/hr (2019) to $22.81/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.39/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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake
Examining the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals significant disparities when compared to their full-time counterparts. A part-time role of 24 hours a week might yield approximately $24,000 annually, while full-time positions can comfortably exceed this amount, providing further incentive for veterinary professionals to consider their work arrangements carefully. Per-diem or agency veterinary technicians often enjoy higher pay rates, commonly billing between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command $35 to $55 per hour, especially during high-demand shifts like weekends or overnight coverage. In Prior Lake, the hourly rate can fluctuate based on the employer type, with corporate chain hospitals typically offering lower pay than specialty referral hospitals. Furthermore, some professionals opt for positions with benefits despite lower hourly rates, emphasizing the importance of evaluating total compensation packages. Negotiation strategies may involve highlighting relevant certifications like VTS or emphasizing expertise, especially in a market facing workforce shortages.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Prior Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Prior Lake?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Prior Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Prior Lake?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Prior Lake?
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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 Prior Lake. 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 Prior Lake 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