Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Duluth, MN: $50,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Duluth, MN earns a median $50,925/year (≈ $24.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Duluth's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $57,369 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Duluth, MN is projected to be quite favorable, with a median annual salary of $50,925. This figure is slightly above the national median of $49,986, indicating a competitive edge in the local job market. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from a low of $39,499 at the P10 level to a high of $61,011 at the P90 level, reflecting the influence of experience and specialization on earnings. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, this salary landscape underscores the differences between veterinary practices, where specialists working in dedicated referral hospitals typically earn more than their counterparts in general practice settings. This trend suggests continuing growth and potential for advancement in Duluth's veterinary employment environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,499 | $18.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,871 | $22.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,925 | $24.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,869 | $28.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,011 | $29.33 |
Median Salary Position
1.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
In Duluth, MN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,512 (2026 est.). At $50,925, the local median is 1.88% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Duluth: You'd be above the median
How Duluth Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Duluth median: $50,925/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Duluth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,129 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.88% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Duluth, MN earn a median of $50,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the Minnesota state average of $51,129.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Duluth has a cost of living 11.23% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Duluth, MN has a cost-of-living index of 88.768 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,925 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,369 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.65% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,770
2025 BLS Actual
$48,270
2026 Current Est.
$50,925
2019–2027 Growth
+50.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,726 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Duluth metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.9% from $35,770 (2019) to $48,270 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,956 (50.20%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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) | $39,499 – $45,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,871 – $50,925 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,925 – $58,869 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,869 – $61,011 |
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 Duluth
Job prospects for veterinary technologists and technicians in Duluth look positive, with around 140 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index in Duluth, at 88.768, indicates that expenses are lower than the national average, which enhances the effective purchasing power of local salaries. Among various employers, specialty referral hospitals often offer the highest pay, particularly those providing advanced care in emergency and critical care settings. Factors contributing to pay disparities include the importance of holding a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can command significantly higher wages; the compensation scales of corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl; and pay differentials for lead roles and overnight shifts at 24-hour emergency clinics. To maximize earnings potential in Duluth, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seek employment in specialty or corporate settings, where the pay tends to be more robust.
More salary data for Duluth, 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 $48,270 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Duluth 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