Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $43,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $43,748/year (≈ $21.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $48,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the salary outlook for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to reach a median annual amount of $43,748 in 2026. This figure reflects a notable gap compared to the national median of $49,986, highlighting the unique local pay dynamics influenced by various factors, including corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The projected salary range spans from $35,312 at the 10th percentile to $53,899 at the 90th percentile, providing insights into the earning potential within diverse professional settings. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, framing the context for anyone considering careers in veterinary technology or seeking to understand how the local market compares with broader trends.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,312 | $16.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,924 | $17.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,748 | $21.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,241 | $25.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,899 | $25.91 |
Median Salary Position
12.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,587 (2026 est.). At $43,748, the local median is 12.48% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $43,748/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,655 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -12.48% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $43,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.48% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,748 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,394 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,912
2025 BLS Actual
$41,467
2026 Current Est.
$43,748
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,467 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,912 (2019) to $41,467 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,242 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $35,312 – $36,924 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,924 – $43,748 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,748 – $52,241 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,241 – $53,899 |
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 Fort Dodge
In a city like Fort Dodge, which currently employs only four veterinary technologists and technicians, the local job market is relatively small but stable. The cost of living index sits at 90.4, meaning that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the affordability of living in this area may balance out the overall financial picture. Employers may offer varying pay scales, with corporate chain hospitals typically providing higher salaries than general practice clinics. The pay spectrum can be affected by specialized credentials, such as Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) qualifications, which demand higher compensation, especially in specialty referral hospitals. For those looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fort Dodge, pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in high-demand areas, and considering employment in corporate or specialty settings can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 $41,467 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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