Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Mason City, IA: $45,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Mason City, IA earns a median $45,122/year (≈ $21.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Mason City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $49,914 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mason City, Iowa, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $45,122 for 2026, which reflects a competitive market despite being slightly below the national median of $49,986. The local salary range is notable, with entry-level positions earning around $35,308, while experienced professionals can command up to $57,436. With these figures derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local living costs, potential candidates have a solid overview of earnings in this field. As the demand for veterinary specialists grows, particularly those with VTS credentials in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, the opportunities for higher compensation continue to expand, shaping a dynamic employment landscape in Mason City's veterinary sector.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,308 | $16.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,464 | $18.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,122 | $21.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,704 | $25.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,436 | $27.61 |
Median Salary Position
9.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
In Mason City, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,128 (2026 est.). At $45,122, the local median is 9.73% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mason City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Mason City median: $45,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,648 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -9.73% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Mason City, IA earn a median of $45,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.73% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $47,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason City 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.
Mason City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,122 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,914 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,883
2025 BLS Actual
$42,770
2026 Current Est.
$45,122
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,265 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,811 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,883 (2019) to $42,770 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,721 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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) | $35,308 – $37,464 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,464 – $45,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,122 – $53,704 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,704 – $57,436 |
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 Mason City
In terms of the local job market, there are only four veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Mason City, indicating a niche but stable demand for these roles. The area's cost of living index at 90.4 suggests that salaries may stretch even further in terms of purchasing power when compared to national averages. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals typically offer the highest pay, outpacing general practice clinics and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. Factors such as VTS specialty credentials, whether in ECC, anesthesia, or internal medicine, can significantly influence earning potential, while mentoring roles and overnight shifts at 24-hour ER facilities also create pay differentials. For those looking to maximize their compensation within the Mason City market, pursuing specialty certifications, seeking positions at specialty hospitals, and leveraging experience in high-demand areas of veterinary medicine can lead to substantial increases in pay.
More salary data for Mason City, 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 $42,770 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Mason City 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 Mason City 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