Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Marion, IA: $46,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Marion, IA earns a median $46,864/year (≈ $22.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Marion's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $51,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, Iowa, the salary outlook for veterinary technologists and technicians presents a compelling picture, with a median annual compensation projected at $46,864 for 2026. This figure positions local pay approximately 6.25% lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $35,668 and more experienced practitioners earning up to $60,046. These estimates are drawn from BLS state-level data and nuanced by regional cost adjustments, indicating the market dynamics at play here. Differences in remuneration are often influenced by the choice between general practice and specialty hospitals, where the latter typically offers higher salary potential due to the specific expertise and credentialing required.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,668 | $17.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,207 | $18.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,864 | $22.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,123 | $26.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,046 | $28.86 |
Median Salary Position
6.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
In Marion, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,378 (2026 est.). At $46,864, the local median is 6.25% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marion Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Marion median: $46,864/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,675 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.25% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Marion, IA earn a median of $46,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $47,675.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marion 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.
Marion, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,864 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,841 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$33,114
2025 BLS Actual
$44,421
2026 Current Est.
$46,864
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,421 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marion metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,114 (2019) to $44,421 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,328 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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) | $35,668 – $38,207 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,207 – $46,864 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,864 – $56,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,123 – $60,046 |
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 Marion
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Marion remains relatively modest, with six professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living in Marion, reflected in a CoL index of 90.4, suggests that while salaries are lower than the national average, purchasing power may still be more favorable compared to higher-cost regions. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl are usually the top payers, offering competitive salaries that can be further enhanced through shift differentials or specialized credentials such as those for Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS). Factors like the type of facility, specialization, and experience levels create a wide pay gradient, motivating many to pursue additional qualifications or seek employment in settings that emphasize specialized care. For those aiming to boost earnings, emphasizing advanced training and networking within specialty practices or corporate environments can lead to significantly increased pay prospects in Marion IA.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Marion, IA in 2026?
Is Marion, IA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Marion?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Marion?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Marion?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Iowa
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 $44,421 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Marion 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 Marion 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