Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $50,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Cottage Grove, MN earns a median $50,469/year (≈ $24.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Cottage Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $51,238 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, earning a median annual salary of $50,469, veterinary technologists and technicians in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, can expect compensation that slightly surpasses the national benchmark of $49,986. The local salary range offers considerable variability, from $38,779 at the lower end (P10) to $63,404 for the top earners (P90). This range reflects differences influenced by factors such as experience, specialization, and the type of facility where one is employed. For those pursuing the VTS specialty credentialing pathway, particularly in emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia, the potential to command higher wages is significant. The local job market in Cottage Grove remains competitive, with veterinary facilities recognizing the value of these qualifications in a region that is grappling with a technician workforce shortage.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,779 | $18.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,377 | $19.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,469 | $24.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,557 | $28.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,404 | $30.48 |
Median Salary Position
0.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottage Grove
In Cottage Grove, MN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,625 (2026 est.). At $50,469, the local median is 0.97% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Cottage Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cottage Grove Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Cottage Grove median: $50,469/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cottage Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,134 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.97% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $50,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.97% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $51,134.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cottage Grove has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cottage Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,469 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,238 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,661
2025 BLS Actual
$47,838
2026 Current Est.
$50,469
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,661 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,245 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cottage Grove metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,661 (2019) to $47,838 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,245 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,584 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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) | $38,779 – $41,377 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,377 – $50,469 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,469 – $59,557 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,557 – $63,404 |
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 Cottage Grove
The current job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cottage Grove features eight professionals, indicating niche employment opportunities in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, salaries in Cottage Grove can afford a bit more purchasing power compared to many areas, which bodes well for techs balancing their aspirations against living costs. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include specialty hospitals focused on surgery, emergency care, and internal medicine, as well as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The differences in compensation often arise from operational structures, with VTS credentials in areas like ECC or anesthesia being particularly valuable. As corporate chains often have established pay scales and specialty hospitals offer higher pay differentials, those interested in maximizing their earnings should consider targeting such positions or pursuing additional certifications. In this competitive landscape, actively seeking advanced training and potential employer incentives can lead to commanding salaries above average in Cottage Grove.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
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 $47,838 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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