Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Johnston, IA: $44,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Johnston, IA earns a median $44,235/year (≈ $21.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $48,933 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, the expected compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to reach a median annual salary of $44,235 by 2026. This figure falls short of the national median of $49,986, showcasing how local salaries can be impacted by various factors, including cost of living adjustments. The salary range extends from $36,573 at the 10th percentile to $56,920 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market that rewards experience and specialization. Those pursuing VTS credentials—particularly in emergency and critical care or anesthesia—can elevate their earning potential significantly in this area. The presence of specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains creates opportunities for higher compensation, suggesting that advanced training can lead to substantial financial benefits among veterinary technologist careers in Johnston.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,573 | $17.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,235 | $21.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,417 | $25.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,920 | $27.37 |
Median Salary Position
11.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,347 (2026 est.). At $44,235, the local median is 11.51% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Johnston median: $44,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,667 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -11.51% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Johnston, IA earn a median of $44,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,667.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston 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.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,235 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,933 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,256
2025 BLS Actual
$41,929
2026 Current Est.
$44,235
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,256 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,088 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,668 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,256 (2019) to $41,929 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,668 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,412 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $36,573 – $37,930 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,930 – $44,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,235 – $53,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,417 – $56,920 |
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 Johnston
Employment opportunities in Johnston remain relatively limited, with only four veterinary technologists and technicians currently active in the area. The cost of living index of 90.4 indicates that day-to-day expenses are lower than the national average, which may allow for a reasonable quality of life despite the salaries being on the lower end compared to national figures. Employers like corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, as well as specialty referral hospitals, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include the demand for VTS specialists, pay scale structures set by corporate chains, and the economic pressure that affects general practice settings versus specialized hospitals. Veterinary professionals aiming to maximize their pay in Johnston should consider pursuing VTS credentials, seeking employment in specialties, and being open to locations that may offer better compensation packages.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 $41,929 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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