Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Dubuque, IA: $43,329 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Dubuque, IA earns a median $43,329/year (≈ $20.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.3), that paycheck buys what $49,616 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Dubuque, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $43,329, reflecting a notable gap compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this role spans from $38,613 at the 10th percentile (P10) up to $50,492 at the 90th percentile (P90). These salary figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, place Dubuque's compensation below the national average by approximately 13.32%. Given the increasing reliance on corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl in the region, which often offer structured pay scales, it's crucial for local professionals to understand the financial landscape as they pursue their careers in veterinary technology.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,613 | $18.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,887 | $18.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,329 | $20.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,648 | $23.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,492 | $24.28 |
Median Salary Position
13.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,879 (2026 est.). At $43,329, the local median is 13.32% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dubuque Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $43,329/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,667 | -9.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -13.32% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $43,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 9.10% below the Iowa state average of $47,667.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque has a cost of living 12.67% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 87.328 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,329 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,616 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.51% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,500
2025 BLS Actual
$41,070
2026 Current Est.
$43,329
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,915 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,329 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,712 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 26.4% from $32,500 (2019) to $41,070 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,712 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,212 (40.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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) | $38,613 – $38,887 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,887 – $43,329 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,329 – $49,648 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,648 – $50,492 |
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 Dubuque
With around 30 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area, Dubuque's labor market demonstrates a moderate demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index stands at 87.328, indicating that while salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively balanced. Employers such as corporate chains and specialty referral hospitals tend to offer higher pay rates compared to general practice clinics. Those specializing and obtaining VTS credentials can significantly enhance their earning potential, often earning pay ranges between $30-$45+/hr. The variance in salaries results from factors including specialty certifications, the tiered pay scales of corporate veterinary hospitals, and opportunities for lead positions or shift differentials at emergency clinics. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Dubuque, seeking specialized training and experience in high-demand areas can be a strategic move.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dubuque, IA in 2026?
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Dubuque?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Dubuque?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Dubuque?
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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 $41,070 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Dubuque 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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