Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $48,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $48,714/year (≈ $23.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $53,887 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The veterinary technologist and technician salary in Cedar Falls, IA is projected for 2026 to reach a median annual figure of $48,714. This reflects a competitive local market when compared to the national median of $49,986, showing a slight decrease of 2.54%. Pay ranges for this profession in Cedar Falls are estimated between $36,221 at the 10th percentile and $61,441 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, illustrate a dynamic job market with varying compensation levels likely influenced by factors such as the type of veterinary practice and the employment model. As corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl dominate the landscape, their pay scales significantly shape local salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,221 | $17.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,050 | $20.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,714 | $23.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,743 | $27.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,441 | $29.54 |
Median Salary Position
2.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,220 (2026 est.). At $48,714, the local median is 2.54% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be above the median
How Cedar Falls Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $48,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,665 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.54% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $48,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% above the Iowa state average of $47,665.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls 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.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,714 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,887 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,421
2025 BLS Actual
$46,174
2026 Current Est.
$48,714
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,267 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,627 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,393 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,421 (2019) to $46,174 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,393 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,972 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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) | $36,221 – $42,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,050 – $48,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,714 – $57,743 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,743 – $61,441 |
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 Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, the job market features eight veterinary technologists and technicians, which highlights a somewhat niche yet vital sector within the local economy. The cost of living index, currently at 90.4, indicates that the purchasing power of salaries in this area can extend further due to lower living expenses compared to national averages. Among local employers, corporate hospitals tend to offer the most competitive rates, often providing opportunities for higher pay through specific roles or specialized certifications such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. This credentialing pathway can help technicians command higher wages, especially in specialty practices such as emergency care and anesthesia. To maximize earnings within the Cedar Falls market, technologists should consider seeking positions at these corporate institutions or honing specialties that are in demand, ultimately leveraging both skills and market conditions to enhance personal compensation.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, 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 $46,174 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls 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