Veterinary Technician in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Minnesota employs 3,560 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $57,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $57,270 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $42,640
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $65,120
- Employed in Minnesota
- 3,560
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $59,090 (2,520 employed)
- Rochester
- $55,750 (140 employed)
- Fargo
- $49,310 (160 employed)
- Duluth
- $48,270 (140 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $47,390 (100 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $46,490 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,270 median stretches to roughly $58,083 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +8.0%, slower than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 450 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) — regulated by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine.
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Apply for the new state Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) credential — Minnesota moves from MVMA certification (CVT) to Board licensure effective July 1, 2026.
Official requirements: Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine →
Training in Minnesota
Credentialing is moving to the state Board in 2026, so the credential now carries more weight. High demand at clinics and specialty/ER hospitals.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Alexandria Technical & Community College — Associate
- Anoka Technical College — Associate
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Associate
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.
Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.
Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
First Steps
Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technicians make in Minnesota?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Minnesota is $57,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,640, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $65,120. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Minnesota?
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), overseen by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine. Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Minnesota?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Minnesota metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $59,090, followed by Rochester ($55,750), Fargo ($49,310). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Alexandria Technical & Community College, Anoka Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects veterinary technicians employment to change +8.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 450 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Minnesota wages · Minnesota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.