Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Moines, WA: $47,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,813 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,519 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,046) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those considering their first position as a veterinary technologist or technician in Des Moines, Washington, should expect an entry-level salary around $47,813 annually. This starting point is significantly lower than the city's projected median salary of $62,046, indicating the typical gap that new graduates may face as they enter the workforce. However, as they gain experience, salaries can grow steadily from that initial figure towards the 25th percentile at $51,164 and on to the city median over the first three to five years of employment. For new grads, such figures and the overall positive market growth rate of 5.50% suggest that Des Moines remains a promising environment for launching their careers as veterinary professionals.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Des Moines, WA typically start between $47,813 and $51,164 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,803 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,046 — 24.13% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 62.74% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($47,813/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $47,813 to $51,164, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Des Moines is $32,803 ( 68.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,813, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,616.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,131
2025 BLS Actual
$45,320
2026 Current Est.
$47,813
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,131 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,975 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,442 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,131 in 2019 to $45,320 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,442. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Des Moines
In terms of job opportunities for recent graduates, general practice clinics in Des Moines are among the most common employers, often welcoming new veterinary technologist and technician graduates and providing valuable on-the-job training. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl tend to offer structured mentorship programs and may even provide additional incentives like sign-on bonuses. Specialty hospitals, on the other hand, often require one to two years of general experience before hiring. To enhance their starting pay, new graduates should aim for credentials from AVMA CVTEA-accredited programs and complete the VTNE for national certification, alongside obtaining a state credential such as CVT, RVT, or LVT. As the veterinary technician workforce faces significant shortages, candidates may see rapid salary increases—often surpassed by top-tier roles with VTS certification—approaching rates of $30 to $45+ per hour as they accumulate experience in the field.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Des Moines?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Washington?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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