Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waukee, IA: $45,597 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waukee, IA earns a median $45,597/year (≈ $21.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $50,439 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the salary landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians showcases a median income of $45,597 for 2026, reflecting a competitive position within the broader market. This figure aligns closely with local corporate chain standards, including VCA and BluePearl, which dominate the sector. The salary range for these professionals extends from $35,980 at the 10th percentile to $55,539 at the 90th percentile, offering ample room for growth. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, indicating a tailored understanding of the local economy's dynamics. With four veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area, Waukee presents key opportunities for growth in the field, especially as demand continues to increase.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,980 | $17.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,993 | $18.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,597 | $21.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,986 | $25.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,539 | $26.70 |
Median Salary Position
8.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,559 (2026 est.). At $45,597, the local median is 8.78% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukee Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waukee median: $45,597/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,646 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.78% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waukee, IA earn a median of $45,597 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $47,646.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee 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.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,597 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,439 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,219
2025 BLS Actual
$43,220
2026 Current Est.
$45,597
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,597 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,105 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,219 (2019) to $43,220 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,105 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,886 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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) | $35,980 – $37,993 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,993 – $45,597 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,597 – $52,986 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,986 – $55,539 |
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 Waukee
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waukee demonstrates some strengths, despite the projected median salary falling approximately 8.78% short of the national average of $49,986. The local cost of living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in higher-cost regions, albeit with some limitations. Among employers, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl typically offer the best compensation packages, compared to general practice and specialty hospitals. Factors contributing to the salary variation include specialized credentials like the VTS in emergency and critical care, along with corporate pay scale tiers that reward experience and specialization. For those looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Waukee, pursuing VTS specialty credentials and seeking positions in specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains could significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 $43,220 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waukee 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 Waukee 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