Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waterloo, IA: $47,697 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waterloo, IA earns a median $47,697/year (≈ $22.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waterloo's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.1), that paycheck buys what $54,788 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterloo, Iowa, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians reaches a median of $47,697 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national benchmark of $49,986. This field offers a salary range from $38,645 at the 10th percentile up to $50,207 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the credentials and specialties that can significantly influence earnings. Achieving Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can enhance income potential in this market. With sustained demand for skilled professionals, Waterloo’s job market presents opportunities, especially for those seeking to excel in specialty areas within veterinary medicine.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,645 | $18.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,489 | $18.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,697 | $22.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,617 | $23.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,207 | $24.14 |
Median Salary Position
4.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterloo
In Waterloo, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,562 (2026 est.). At $47,697, the local median is 4.58% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterloo: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Waterloo Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waterloo median: $47,697/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterloo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,649 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.58% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waterloo, IA earn a median of $47,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Iowa state average of $47,649.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterloo has a cost of living 12.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterloo, IA has a cost-of-living index of 87.057 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,697 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,788 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,060
2025 BLS Actual
$45,210
2026 Current Est.
$47,697
2019–2027 Growth
+57.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,697 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,320 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterloo metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 41.0% from $32,060 (2019) to $45,210 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,320 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,260 (56.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterloo 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) | $38,645 – $39,489 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,489 – $47,697 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,697 – $49,617 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,617 – $50,207 |
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 Waterloo
As of 2026, there are approximately 50 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Waterloo, indicating a stable job market despite the competitive environment. The cost-of-living index stands at 87.057, suggesting that salaries in this region afford a relatively comfortable lifestyle compared to national averages. Compensation varies significantly among employers; specialty hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl generally offer superior salaries due to their extensive resources and demand for specialized skills. Additionally, those holding advanced credentials or taking on leadership roles can leverage higher pay, as can technicians who work night shifts or in 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize earnings, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing VTS specialties and exploring positions with higher pay scales in specialty or corporate settings, paving the way toward increased financial stability in their careers.
More salary data for Waterloo, 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 $45,210 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waterloo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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