Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $45,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bettendorf, IA earns a median $45,533/year (≈ $21.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bettendorf's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $50,368 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bettendorf, Iowa, the projected veterinary technologist and technician salary in 2026 is identified at $45,533 annually, a figure that sits approximately 8.91% below the national median of $49,986 for the same year. Local salaries span a range from $36,295 at the lower decile (P10) to $60,242 at the upper decile (P90), indicating a healthy market for these professionals within the veterinary field. These salary estimates derive from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which reflect a competitive pay structure influenced by the presence of corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, which often apply a structured pay-scale system. Given the overall dynamics of the area, including the demand for skilled veterinary professionals, Bettendorf’s job market offers opportunities predominantly in general practices and corporate veterinary hospitals.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,295 | $17.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,298 | $18.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,533 | $21.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,721 | $26.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,242 | $28.96 |
Median Salary Position
8.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bettendorf
In Bettendorf, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,947 (2026 est.). At $45,533, the local median is 8.91% below the national median of $49,986.
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How Bettendorf Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bettendorf median: $45,533/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bettendorf Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,678 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.91% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $45,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.91% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $47,678.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bettendorf has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bettendorf, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,533 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,368 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,173
2025 BLS Actual
$43,159
2026 Current Est.
$45,533
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,173 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,567 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,833 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,037 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bettendorf metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,173 (2019) to $43,159 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,037 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,864 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,295 – $38,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,298 – $45,533 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,533 – $55,721 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,721 – $60,242 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Bettendorf
Currently, there are about 10 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Bettendorf, indicating a specialized market that could benefit from additional professionals, especially as the field faces a workforce shortage. The local cost-of-living index, showing a rate of 90.4, suggests that salaries in Bettendorf stretch further than they might in higher-cost regions. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl are likely to offer the highest compensation, along with benefits for those willing to pursue specialty credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist designation. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to various factors including advanced qualifications, experience, and workplace settings, such as specialty hospitals compared to general practice clinics. For those looking to enhance their earning potential in Bettendorf, pursuing specialty training or transitioning to a corporate veterinary hospital could be strategic moves to capitalize on the existing pay scales.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,159 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bettendorf metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bettendorf 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