Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Prior Lake, MN: $50,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Prior Lake, MN earns a median $50,048/year (≈ $24.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Prior Lake's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $50,810 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Prior Lake, MN, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $50,048 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $49,986. Their earnings can vary widely, with salaries ranging from $37,703 at the low end (P10) to $66,783 at the high end (P90). These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. The market in Prior Lake is particularly influenced by the choice of practice; while general practices offer competitive wages, specialty hospitals can command higher pay due to their more complex service offerings and the advanced skills required, reflecting the overall demand for skilled professionals in a market facing a workforce shortage.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,703 | $18.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,515 | $19.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,048 | $24.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,597 | $28.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,783 | $32.10 |
Median Salary Position
0.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, MN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,080 (2026 est.). At $50,048, the local median is 0.12% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prior Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prior Lake Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Prior Lake median: $50,048/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prior Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $51,122 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.12% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $50,048 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $51,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,048 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,810 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,364
2025 BLS Actual
$47,439
2026 Current Est.
$50,048
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,364 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,288 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,801 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prior Lake metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,364 (2019) to $47,439 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,801 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,437 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prior Lake 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) | $37,703 – $40,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,515 – $50,048 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,048 – $58,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,597 – $66,783 |
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 Prior Lake
With only seven veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Prior Lake, the job market is limited yet stable, enhanced by a cost-of-living index of 98.5, which is slightly below the national average. This situation may offer technicians a modest advantage in purchasing power relative to their salaries. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals tend to provide the highest compensation, especially for those holding a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or similar areas. The pay spread in this field is driven by various factors, including specific skill sets, corporate pay scales, and the shift differentials offered by 24-hour emergency clinics. To maximize earning potential, candidates should consider specializing in these higher-demand areas and align themselves with corporate chains or specialty hospitals that tend to pay higher wages while also seeking roles that build leadership or mentoring experience.
More salary data for Prior Lake, 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 $47,439 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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