Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Onalaska, WI: $49,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Onalaska, WI earns a median $49,105/year (≈ $23.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Onalaska's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $52,575 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the projected veterinary technologist and technician salary in 2026 is set at $49,105, which reveals a slight dip of 1.76% compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals in the area spans from $38,380 at the 10th percentile to $59,406 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the local cost of living. In this regional context, the salary reflects a competitive, albeit cautious, market for veterinary support roles, which is vital given ongoing workforce shortages in the veterinary field.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,579 | $20.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,105 | $23.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,811 | $27.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,406 | $28.56 |
Median Salary Position
1.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
In Onalaska, WI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,026 (2026 est.). At $49,105, the local median is 1.76% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Onalaska: You'd be above the median
How Onalaska Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Onalaska median: $49,105/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Onalaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $49,451 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.76% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Onalaska, WI earn a median of $49,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $49,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Onalaska has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Onalaska, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,105 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,575 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$34,698
2025 BLS Actual
$46,545
2026 Current Est.
$49,105
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,621 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,201 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,545 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Onalaska metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,698 (2019) to $46,545 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,108 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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) | $38,380 – $42,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,579 – $49,105 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,105 – $56,811 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,811 – $59,406 |
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 Onalaska
Amidst a workforce of just four veterinary technologists and technicians in Onalaska, the cost of living index stands at 93.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power remains relatively stable. Employers in the local market, particularly corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, often provide more competitive salaries compared to general practice clinics. The disparity in pay can also be attributed to specialty certifications, with Veterinary Technician Specialists commanding top wages, especially in emergency and critical care settings. Strategies like pursuing VTS credentials or seeking positions at specialty referral hospitals can significantly enhance earning potential. Given the current local salary landscape, professionals in Onalaska can navigate these dynamics effectively to maximize their compensation in the field.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Onalaska, WI in 2026?
Is Onalaska, WI a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Onalaska?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Onalaska?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Onalaska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $46,545 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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