Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Muscatine, IA: $44,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Muscatine, IA earns a median $44,512/year (≈ $21.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $49,239 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Muscatine can expect a median annual salary of $44,512, which is notably lower compared to the national median of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $37,219 at the 10th percentile to $56,265 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant variance that highlights potential earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors. As the demand for veterinary services continues to rise and professionals pursue advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in areas such as emergency care or anesthesia, opportunities for higher salaries in Muscatine are likely to increase, making it a growing job market for both new and experienced veterinary professionals.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,219 | $17.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,508 | $18.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,512 | $21.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,092 | $25.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,265 | $27.05 |
Median Salary Position
10.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,046 (2026 est.). At $44,512, the local median is 10.95% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $44,512/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,657 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -10.95% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $44,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $47,657.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,512 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,239 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
$31,452
2025 BLS Actual
$42,191
2026 Current Est.
$44,512
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,394 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,191 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,452 (2019) to $42,191 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,508 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $37,219 – $38,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,508 – $44,512 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,512 – $53,092 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,092 – $56,265 |
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 Muscatine
The employment situation for veterinary technologists and technicians in Muscatine reflects a modest local market, with only five individuals currently in this role. Considering the cost of living index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of salaries is notably impacted. Veterinary practices that tend to offer the highest pay are often specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where pay scales can differ considerably from general practice settings. The variation in salaries can be largely attributed to specialized skill sets and the complexities of the role, especially for those with VTS credentials, who often command higher wages. To maximize earning potential in Muscatine's market, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should seek out opportunities for further education and specialization, as well as considering roles in higher-paying corporate or specialty settings, which may also offer shift differentials for overnight or emergency shifts.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Muscatine, IA in 2026?
Is Muscatine, IA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Muscatine?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Muscatine?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Muscatine?
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 $42,191 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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