Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Clinton, IA: $44,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Clinton, IA earns a median $44,723/year (≈ $21.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $49,472 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Clinton is projected to reach a median of $44,723, reflecting the local pay-scale dynamics influenced by corporate entities such as VCA and BluePearl. This salary range spans from $36,415 at the 10th percentile to $57,036 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, illustrate a competitive local market that remains about 10.53% below the national median. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals continues to grow, especially post-pandemic, Clinton offers opportunities for both entry-level positions and more advanced roles that require specialized credentials.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,415 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,941 | $18.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,723 | $21.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,556 | $25.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,036 | $27.42 |
Median Salary Position
10.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,621 (2026 est.). At $44,723, the local median is 10.53% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Clinton median: $44,723/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,679 | -6.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -10.53% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Clinton, IA earn a median of $44,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,679.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton 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.
Clinton, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,723 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,472 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,601
2025 BLS Actual
$42,391
2026 Current Est.
$44,723
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,134 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,391 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,182 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,601 (2019) to $42,391 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,182 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,581 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $36,415 – $37,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,941 – $44,723 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,723 – $53,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,556 – $57,036 |
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 Clinton
Currently, there are six veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Clinton, underscoring a tight labor market where professionals may find negotiating power, especially among the corporate chains and specialty hospitals. With a cost of living index of 90.4, those working in this area enjoy slightly lower living expenses, which may enhance their purchasing power despite below-average salaries relative to national figures. Employers like corporate veterinary chains often offer structured pay scales, which translate to more stable earnings compared to general practice settings. High earners in this field typically hold VTS specialty credentials or work in specialized clinics, capturing the top tiers of the pay scale with their expertise. As the demand grows, skilled candidates can enhance their earning potential by pursuing additional certifications, seeking employment in higher-paying specialty hospitals, or considering roles that incorporate shifts or mentorship responsibilities.
More salary data for Clinton, 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 $42,391 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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