Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, IA: $45,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Burlington, IA earns a median $45,763/year (≈ $22.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $50,623 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, the projected earnings for veterinary technologists and technicians suggest an appealing trajectory for professionals in this field. With a median annual salary set at $45,763, this compensation reflects a moderate position compared to the national median of $49,986. The local salary range sits between $36,396 at the 10th percentile and $57,627 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential linked to experience and specialization. For those pursuing the VTS specialty credential in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, the financial rewards can be even higher, underscoring the value of continued education and specialization in this competitive market. Given the workforce shortage in the veterinary sector, adept technicians who attain these credentials may find themselves well-positioned to negotiate salaries that match their skills.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,396 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,339 | $18.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,763 | $22.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,346 | $26.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,627 | $27.70 |
Median Salary Position
8.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,231 (2026 est.). At $45,763, the local median is 8.45% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Burlington median: $45,763/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,670 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.45% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Burlington, IA earn a median of $45,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.45% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $47,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington 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.
Burlington, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,763 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,623 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,336
2025 BLS Actual
$43,377
2026 Current Est.
$45,763
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,196 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,009 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,248 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,377 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,336 (2019) to $43,377 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,944 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $36,396 – $38,339 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,339 – $45,763 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,763 – $54,346 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,346 – $57,627 |
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 Burlington
As of now, Burlington employs only four veterinary technologists and technicians, reflecting a tight local job market. Despite the median salary being slightly lower than national figures, the cost of living index at 90.4 suggests that overall purchasing power may remain competitive, making these salaries more attractive to residents. Employers in the area, such as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, often offer higher pay scales and may provide additional incentives for those with specialized credentials. The disparity between entry-level positions and high-paying roles is often driven by the credentialing process; technicians who achieve their VTS may command significantly higher pay, often ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, especially in specialty practices. For veterinary professionals in Burlington, seeking opportunities in these specialized settings, alongside pursuing advanced certifications, stands out as a key strategy to maximize earnings in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Burlington, 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 $43,377 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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