Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wausau, WI: $49,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wausau, WI earns a median $49,469/year (≈ $23.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wausau's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $53,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $49,469 in 2026, modestly less than the national figure of $49,986. The anticipated salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, spanning from $39,879 at the lower end (P10) to $61,454 at the upper end (P90). Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, this compensation reflects the local job market's dynamics, where specialized settings such as emergency care and referral hospitals tend to pay more than general practice facilities. This trend aligns with the growing demands for skilled veterinary staff amid a national workforce shortage, particularly in Wausau's veterinary sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,879 | $19.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,428 | $21.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,469 | $23.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,159 | $25.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,454 | $29.55 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wausau
In Wausau, WI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,575 (2026 est.). At $49,469, the local median is 1.03% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wausau: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wausau Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wausau median: $49,469/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wausau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.03% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wausau, WI earn a median of $49,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wausau has a cost of living 7.35% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wausau, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.651 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,469 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,393 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,630
2025 BLS Actual
$46,890
2026 Current Est.
$49,469
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,190 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wausau metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.4% from $33,630 (2019) to $46,890 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,190 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,560 (55.19%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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) | $39,879 – $45,428 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,428 – $49,469 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,469 – $52,159 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,159 – $61,454 |
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 Wausau
The local job market forecasts a steady employment level, with about 70 veterinary technologists and technicians currently working in the area. Wausau's cost-of-living index stands at 92.651, suggesting relatively favorable living expenses that may enhance the purchasing power of those in the profession. Among the types of employers, specialty hospitals usually offer the highest pay, particularly for those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. Factors such as shift differentials at 24-hour emergency hospitals, lead positions, and experience in high-demand specialties can elevate earning potential. To maximize pay in Wausau, pursuing advanced certifications and targeting employment within corporate chains or referral hospitals may be essential strategies for veterinary professionals.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wausau, WI in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Wausau?
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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 $46,890 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wausau 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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