Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in St. Paul, MN: $29.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in St. Paul, MN runs $29.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against St. Paul's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,024 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Paul, Minnesota, the projected hourly wage for veterinary technologists and technicians is $29.67, a significant increase compared to the national hourly median of $24.03. This higher pay can be particularly advantageous for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, allowing them to earn a competitive income while maintaining flexibility in their schedule. Per-diem roles in various settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, animal medical units in zoos or aquariums, and pharmaceutical research facilities also benefit from this favorable hourly rate. With entry-level positions starting around $21.97, professionals can advance significantly, with top earners hitting approximately $42.89 per hour.
About the St. Paul 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) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.16 | $193.28 |
| Median (P50) | $29.67 | $237.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.09 | $288.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.89 | $343.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Paul
Based on $29.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Paul, MN can expect to earn approximately $61,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,600. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Paul.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Paul
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.66 | $5,142 | $61,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.00 | $3,085 | $37,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.67 | $2,057 | $24,683 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (St. Paul) | $29.67 |
| 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 St. Paul, MN earn a median of $61,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 20.70% above the Minnesota state average of $51,130.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.67/hr = $37,024/year (purchasing power: $37,588).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,707/year (purchasing power: $62,646).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Paul grew 34.1% from $20.96/hr (2019) to $28.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.30/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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Looking at the earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working part-time—around 24 hours a week—stands to earn a meaningful income, but it won't match that of a full-time employee. For instance, those in per-diem roles typically charge between $25-$40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialists can command $35-$55 for their expertise. Weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand areas may yield even higher rates, reflecting the acute workforce shortage in the field—a trend that has seen pay rise substantially in recent years. Employment settings play a pivotal role in determining pay rates, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities often offering differing wages compared to general practice clinics. When negotiating rates, particularly in St. Paul, it can be beneficial to consider both the hourly pay and associated benefits, as some may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance. Familiarity with the local market and understanding your worth in this competitive environment will aid in effective negotiations.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Paul in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in St. Paul?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Paul paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in St. Paul?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in St. Paul?
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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 St. Paul. 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 St. Paul 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