Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $44,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $44,343/year (≈ $21.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $49,052 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Ottumwa, IA, can expect a median annual salary of $44,343 in 2026, reflecting a competitive positioning compared to the national median of $49,986. Pay varies significantly across settings, with a salary range extending from $36,843 at the 10th percentile to upwards of $55,845 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, highlight the influence of specialized practices versus general examination facilities. As more veterinary services incorporate advanced medical and surgical specialties, those working in specialty hospitals often command higher salaries than their counterparts in general practice clinics.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,843 | $17.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,155 | $18.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,343 | $21.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,663 | $25.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,845 | $26.85 |
Median Salary Position
11.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,002 (2026 est.). At $44,343, the local median is 11.29% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $44,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,680 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -11.29% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $44,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.29% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $47,680.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,343 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,052 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,333
2025 BLS Actual
$42,031
2026 Current Est.
$44,343
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,782 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,333 (2019) to $42,031 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,782 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,449 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $36,843 – $38,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,155 – $44,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,343 – $52,663 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,663 – $55,845 |
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 Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, only five veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, indicating a niche job market that can lead to unique compensation structures. The cost of living index in the area stands at 90.4, making it essential for professionals to consider how salary translates to actual purchasing power. Typically, specialty hospitals and corporate chains, such as VCA or BluePearl, offer more competitive pay compared to standard veterinary practices. Within the local market, factors like veterinary technician specialty (VTS) credentialing, particularly in areas like emergency critical care or anesthesia, significantly influence earning potential. Those with advanced certifications can leverage their skills to negotiate higher wages, while working in high-demand settings such as 24-hour emergency facilities or specialized hospitals can provide further financial advantages. Strategies to maximize income in Ottumwa could include pursuing ongoing education, acquiring relevant specialties, and seeking employment in organizations known for better pay scales.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ottumwa, IA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Ottumwa?
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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 $42,031 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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