Senior Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, IA: $57,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinary technologists and technicians working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $57,627/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2056. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $63,747 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, those occupying senior roles as veterinary technologists and technicians possess significant earning potential that reflects an elevation from the median salary in the region. The projected 2026 top-tier salaries for experienced professionals reach up to $57,627, with a strong $54,346 expected for the 75th percentile. This positioning not only illustrates an impressive income for Burlington but also highlights a noticeable gap when compared to the median salary of $45,763 for all veterinary technologists and technicians. Advancing to the top tiers of compensation requires not just years of experience—typically over seven—but also specialization in areas such as emergency and critical care, anesthesia, and internal medicine. Those who commit to further education and credentialing through organizations like NAVTA and pursue Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designations often find themselves at the forefront of senior veterinary technologist and technician pay IA.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced veterinary technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $54,346 and $57,627 per year (2026 est.). This $21,231 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $45,763 sits 8.45% below the US median.
Top Vet Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,763 | $49,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,346 | $60,821 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $57,627 | $66,655 |
In Burlington, experienced veterinary technologists and technicians (P90) earn 25.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA veterinary technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary technology field earn significantly above the $45,763 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary technology field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $54,346–$57,627 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinary technologists and technicians in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Veterinary Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinary Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsVeterinary Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #13 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner veterinary technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $57,627).
Top 10% veterinary technologist and technician compensation in Burlington ($57,627) is 6.49% below the Iowa average P90 ($61,627).
2019 BLS Actual
$44,291
2025 BLS Actual
$54,623
2026 Current Est.
$57,627
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,291 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,312 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,797 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinary technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 23.3% from $44,291 in 2019 to $54,623 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $60,797 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Veterinary Technologist and Technician Earnings in Burlington
Navigating the intricacies of salary potential at this level reveals significant disparities based on specialization and type of employer. In Burlington, advanced roles in emergency and critical care or specialty hospitals typically attract higher salaries as they require rigorous expertise. Employers such as corporate hospital chains, specialty referral centers, and veterinary universities often offer varied pay scales to reflect their operational models. Those in leadership roles, such as lead veterinary technicians or technicians in university teaching hospitals, may also benefit from enhanced compensation strategies. Moreover, acquiring advanced credentials—from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program to state licensing—enhances one's marketable skills, driving salaries further upward. As businesses in veterinary medicine continue consolidating and evolving, the demand for highly qualified professionals remains robust, making certification and specialization increasingly crucial for achieving that top veterinary technologist and technician salary Burlington can offer.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinary technologists and technicians make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher veterinary technologist and technician pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost veterinary technologist and technician salary in Burlington?
Can experienced veterinary technologists and technicians make six figures in Burlington?
How much does veterinary technologist and technician salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $54,623 for veterinary technologists and technicians in the Burlington metro area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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