Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Elk River, MN: $50,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Elk River, MN earns a median $50,100/year (≈ $24.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $50,863 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an estimated median salary of $50,100 in 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk River, MN, hold an advantageous position compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary spectrum in this field ranges from $40,505 at the 10th percentile to $67,077 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a healthy pay gradient influenced by employer type—the distinction between general practice clinics and specialized hospitals plays a significant role here. Such projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, which indicates that the local job market is succeeding in offering competitive compensation while strategically addressing the workforce shortage that has impacted this profession nationally.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,505 | $19.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,559 | $20.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,100 | $24.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,681 | $28.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,077 | $32.25 |
Median Salary Position
0.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,572 (2026 est.). At $50,100, the local median is 0.23% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Elk River median: $50,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,122 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.23% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Elk River, MN earn a median of $50,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $51,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River 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.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,100 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,863 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,401
2025 BLS Actual
$47,488
2026 Current Est.
$50,100
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,401 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,343 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,488 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,855 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,401 (2019) to $47,488 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,855 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,454 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $40,505 – $42,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,559 – $50,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,100 – $58,681 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,681 – $67,077 |
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 Elk River
Despite employing just four veterinary technologists and technicians in Elk River, the job market shows promise, especially considering the area's cost-of-living index of 98.5, which is below the national average. This lower cost index can enhance the take-home purchasing power for professionals in the field. Among local employers, specialty hospitals often offer the highest pay, reflecting the demand for skills such as those accredited by the VTS specialty credential, which can command higher wages. Factors contributing to salary variations include job complexity, demand for specialized skills at organizations like corporate chain hospitals (e.g., VCA, BluePearl), and additional compensation incentives like shift differentials. To maximize earnings, aspiring techs may consider pursuing specialty certifications and seek employment in referral hospitals or corporate chains where salary scales tend to be more favorable.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elk River, MN in 2026?
Is Elk River, MN a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Elk River?
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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 $47,488 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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