Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in La Crosse, WI: $23.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in La Crosse, WI runs $23.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,456 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against La Crosse's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,071 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $23.29, slightly below the national average of $24.03 per hour. This hourly rate provides significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, ideal for those working in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. The hourly pay range for these professionals varies, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $19.51 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $28.14. As reported in official BLS data, these figures highlight the competitive pay within the region, making La Crosse a viable option for new graduates and seasoned vet techs alike.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.51 | $156.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.18 | $169.48 |
| Median (P50) | $23.29 | $186.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.00 | $200.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.14 | $225.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Crosse
Based on $23.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.29/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Crosse, WI can expect to earn approximately $48,452 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,953. With a cost-of-living index of 91.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Crosse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Crosse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $931.78 | $4,038 | $48,452 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.07 | $2,423 | $29,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.71 | $1,615 | $19,381 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (La Crosse) | $23.29 |
| 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 La Crosse, WI earn a median of $48,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $49,445.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.29/hr = $29,071/year (purchasing power: $31,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,452/year (purchasing power: $52,798).
CoL index: 91.769 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in La Crosse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Crosse grew 36.4% from $16.19/hr (2019) to $22.08/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.58/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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse
When considering part-time employment, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week can expect to earn around $28,000 a year, representing a different lifestyle and work-life balance than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles are especially attractive, with rates often between $25 and $40 an hour, reflecting the immediate demand for veterinary support due to staffing shortages. Agency workers also have access to rates ranging from $30-$50 an hour for emergency services, depending on the specialty and time. Different types of employers also impact pay rates; general practice clinics may offer more stable, lower pay, while corporate chain hospitals and specialty facilities can yield higher hourly wages, albeit often coupled with fewer benefits. Technologists often negotiate higher hourly rates for positions lacking health insurance, pointing to the delicate balance of compensation and benefits that many in the vet tech field must navigate in La Crosse.
More salary data for La Crosse, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Crosse in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in La Crosse?
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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 La Crosse. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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