Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $23.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Des Moines, IA runs $23.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in West Des Moines, IA, earn a median hourly rate of $23.92, slightly below the national average of $24.03. This hourly rate represents a solid income for part-time workers, including those in general practice treatment areas or specialty clinics, where flexible scheduling is common. For instance, a veterinary technologist working three days a week can expect around $1,150 a month, which presents a reasonable option for those pursuing work-life balance. Entry-level positions typically start around $18.58 per hour, while experienced professionals just entering the top tier can earn as much as $31.86 per hour in specialized roles. It's important to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, indicating a growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals in the area.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.58 | $148.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.36 | $154.87 |
| Median (P50) | $23.92 | $191.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.27 | $234.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.86 | $254.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $23.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $49,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,700. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $956.67 | $4,146 | $49,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.00 | $2,487 | $29,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.67 | $1,658 | $19,899 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (West Des Moines) | $23.92 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $49,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.40% above the Iowa state average of $47,660.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.92/hr = $29,848/year (purchasing power: $33,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,747/year (purchasing power: $55,030).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Des Moines grew 34.1% from $16.90/hr (2019) to $22.67/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in West Des Moines
In terms of part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician working approximately 24 hours a week could potentially generate about $29,000 annually. This contrasts sharply with full-time colleagues who may maximize their earning potential through overtime or additional shifts. Per diem options are also increasingly popular; these workers often bill between $25 and $40 per hour at various facilities. Specialty certifications such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can further elevate hourly earnings into the $35-$55 range, especially for weekend or emergency coverage where shortages are prevalent. Rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; for example, corporate chains may offer lower base pay but with health benefits, while specialty hospitals may provide higher hourly wages without additional perks. For those negotiating terms, understanding the trade-offs between salary and benefits can be pivotal in determining the best employment situation, especially in a growing market like West Des Moines.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Des Moines?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Des Moines?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Des Moines?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West 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