Ames vs West Des Moines: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Ames, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,520▲ | $49,757 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.73▲ | $23.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,052▲ | $38,645 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,988▲ | $40,258 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,372▲ | $60,865 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,923▲ | $66,266 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Ames and West Des Moines is $3,763 (7.56%). Ames's median is +7.07% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $40,871,West Des Moines spans $27,621. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($60,250 effective) pays 9.46% more than West Des Moines ($55,041 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,923)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,250)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Ames grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$41,120 (2019) → $50,730 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$31,802 (2024) → $47,163 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Ames or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to West Des Moines as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Ames vs West Des Moines?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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