Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Inver Grove Heights, MN: $50,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Inver Grove Heights, MN earns a median $50,127/year (≈ $24.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Inver Grove Heights's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $50,890 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, offers a competitive veterinary technologist and technician salary for professionals in the field. In 2026, the median annual pay is projected to be $50,127, showing a slight advantage over the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this area range from $37,947 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $67,168 at the higher end (90th percentile), reflecting the impact of workplace environment, such as specialty hospitals versus general practice settings. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and the regional cost index, which is useful in understanding local market dynamics in Inver Grove Heights.
About the Inver Grove Heights Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,947 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,677 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,127 | $24.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,747 | $28.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,168 | $32.29 |
Median Salary Position
0.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Inver Grove Heights
In Inver Grove Heights, MN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,221 (2026 est.). At $50,127, the local median is 0.28% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Inver Grove Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Inver Grove Heights Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Inver Grove Heights median: $50,127/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Inver Grove Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,150 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.28% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Inver Grove Heights, MN earn a median of $50,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $51,150.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Inver Grove Heights 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.
Inver Grove Heights, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,127 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,890 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,420
2025 BLS Actual
$47,514
2026 Current Est.
$50,127
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Inver Grove Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,954 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,864 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,554 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,514 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,884 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Inver Grove Heights metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,420 (2019) to $47,514 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,884 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,464 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inver Grove Heights 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) | $37,947 – $40,677 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,677 – $50,127 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,127 – $58,747 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,747 – $67,168 |
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 Inver Grove Heights
Currently, the employment scene includes around 10 veterinary technologists and technicians, reflecting both the local demand for qualified professionals and the effects of a workforce shortage in the veterinary field. The cost of living index in Inver Grove Heights is 98.5, which suggests affordability relative to the national average and implies a more favorable take-home purchasing power. Employers that tend to offer higher wages include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where the demand for VTS specialists can drive salaries up significantly. The variation in pay is influenced by several factors including the tiered pay scales associated with corporate consolidation, as well as specialized credentials such as ECC or anesthesia certification. To maximize earnings, candidates should aim for VTS certification and consider roles in specialty facilities or corporate chains where higher differentials are common, especially during shifts in 24-hour emergency environments.
More salary data for Inver Grove Heights, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Inver Grove Heights?
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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 $47,514 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Inver Grove Heights 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 Inver Grove Heights 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