Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Owatonna, MN: $50,762 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Owatonna, MN earns a median $50,762/year (≈ $24.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Owatonna's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $51,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owatonna, MN, veterinary technologists and technicians can anticipate a median salary of $50,762 in 2026, reflecting the local demand for skilled professionals in the field. With a salary range extending from $37,973 at the 10th percentile to $64,229 at the 90th percentile, there are varying opportunities based on experience and specialty. Those pursuing advanced credentials, such as the VTS in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, can expect to command higher pay rates, as such qualifications significantly enhance earning potential. Adjusted estimates from BLS state-level data indicate that the market's competitiveness is contributing to a positive salary trend, positioning Owatonna slightly above the national median of $49,986 for this occupation.
About the Owatonna Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,973 | $18.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,856 | $19.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,762 | $24.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,335 | $29.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,229 | $30.88 |
Median Salary Position
1.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owatonna
In Owatonna, MN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,256 (2026 est.). At $50,762, the local median is 1.55% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Owatonna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Owatonna Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Owatonna median: $50,762/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owatonna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,120 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.55% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Owatonna, MN earn a median of $50,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $51,120.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owatonna 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.
Owatonna, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,762 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,535 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,869
2025 BLS Actual
$48,116
2026 Current Est.
$50,762
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,869 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,422 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,762 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,554 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owatonna metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,869 (2019) to $48,116 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,554 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,685 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owatonna 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) | $37,973 – $40,856 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,856 – $50,762 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,762 – $60,335 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,335 – $64,229 |
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 Owatonna
In terms of local job market dynamics, Owatonna currently employs six veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a niche yet important workforce presence. The area has a cost of living index of 98.5, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power is slightly below the national average. Employers that typically offer higher wages include corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl and specialized facilities focusing on critical care or surgery. The disparity in pay within the market often hinges on factors like specialty credentials, experience, and the type of practice setting. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Owatonna, pursuing VTS credentialing or gaining experience in high-demand specialty areas are prudent strategies, given the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Owatonna, 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 $48,116 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Owatonna 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 Owatonna 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