Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $46,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $46,026/year (≈ $22.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $50,914 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Council Bluffs, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $46,026, which stands slightly lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary spectrum ranges from $34,704 at the lower 10th percentile to $60,348 for those at the top 90th percentile, indicating a diverse range of pay based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adapted to reflect local cost-of-living adjustments. Notably, positions in specialty hospitals tend to offer higher compensation compared to general practice settings, thereby creating a pay gradient that professionals should consider when pursuing employment opportunities in Council Bluffs.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,704 | $16.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,607 | $18.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,026 | $22.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,598 | $27.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,348 | $29.01 |
Median Salary Position
7.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,644 (2026 est.). At $46,026, the local median is 7.92% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $46,026/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,646 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -7.92% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $46,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $47,646.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs 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.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,026 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,914 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,522
2025 BLS Actual
$43,627
2026 Current Est.
$46,026
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,429 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,522 (2019) to $43,627 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,036 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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) | $34,704 – $37,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,607 – $46,026 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,026 – $56,598 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,598 – $60,348 |
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 Council Bluffs
The local job market shows that only 12 individuals are currently employed as veterinary technologists and technicians in Council Bluffs, creating a tight-knit community for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, which is below the national average, take-home purchasing power is relatively favorable for those entering this field. Employers that tend to pay the highest in the region include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities like VCA and BluePearl, where advanced credentials like Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can significantly increase earning potential. Factors influencing pay disparities include specialty certifications in areas like emergency care or anesthesia, which command notably higher wages. For those looking to maximize their pay in this market, gaining experience in a specialty setting, obtaining additional certifications, and seeking out roles in corporate structures can be beneficial strategies.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Council Bluffs?
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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 $43,627 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs 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