Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in River Falls, WI: $46,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in River Falls, WI earns a median $46,609/year (≈ $22.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in River Falls's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $49,903 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median annual salary of $46,609 in 2026, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $49,986. This pay gradient reflects not just the local market dynamics but also the type of veterinary practice. With a salary range spanning from $35,762 at the 10th percentile to $59,807 at the 90th, professionals in this field can position themselves strategically by choosing between general practice and specialty hospitals. Such choices markedly affect earnings, with specialized roles typically yielding higher pay. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate that River Falls offers a distinct opportunity for those pursuing careers in veterinary technology.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,762 | $17.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,782 | $19.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,609 | $22.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,041 | $26.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,807 | $28.75 |
Median Salary Position
6.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in River Falls
In River Falls, WI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,045 (2026 est.). At $46,609, the local median is 6.76% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in River Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How River Falls Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
River Falls median: $46,609/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | River Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $49,479 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.76% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in River Falls, WI earn a median of $46,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $49,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
River Falls 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.
River Falls, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,609 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,903 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,934
2025 BLS Actual
$44,179
2026 Current Est.
$46,609
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,656 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,785 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,179 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,172 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the River Falls metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,934 (2019) to $44,179 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,172 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,238 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the River Falls 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) | $35,762 – $39,782 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,782 – $46,609 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,609 – $56,041 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,041 – $59,807 |
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 River Falls
The local job market comprises just five veterinary technologists and technicians, emphasizing a tight employment pool in River Falls, WI. Coupled with a cost of living index of 93.4, which is below the national average, this suggests that take-home pay affords a reasonable lifestyle. Employers offering the best pay tend to be specialty hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which may provide higher salary tiers compared to general practice settings. The spread between low and high salaries is driven by factors, including specialized credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist pathway, corporate pay structures, and roles requiring advanced skills like emergency care or anesthesia. To maximize income, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in high-demand settings are recommended strategies for professionals aiming to enhance their veterinary technologist and technician pay in River Falls, WI.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in River Falls, WI in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in River Falls?
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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 $44,179 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the River Falls 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 River Falls 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