Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $29.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Des Moines, WA runs $29.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,221 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $29.82 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate positions professionals in this field competitively, especially for those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and academic institutions. Part-time workers, typically engaged three days a week, can expect to earn a starting rate around $22.99, but may earn as much as $38.76 for their expertise in high-demand areas. The hourly range reflects entry-level positions to top earners, underlining the potential for growth and specialization within the veterinary technologist and technician role.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.99 | $183.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.60 | $196.82 |
| Median (P50) | $29.82 | $238.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.99 | $287.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.76 | $310.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $29.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.82/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,790. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.99 | $5,170 | $62,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.80 | $3,102 | $37,221 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.20 | $2,068 | $24,814 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Des Moines) | $29.82 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $62,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.13% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $62,609.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.82/hr = $37,221/year (purchasing power: $34,657).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,036/year (purchasing power: $57,761).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines grew 34.1% from $21.07/hr (2019) to $28.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 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 Des Moines
Examining the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals a substantial variation when compared to full-time positions. A typical part-time schedule at 24 hours each week could yield around $46,956 annually, whereas full-time workers earn a median that aligns more closely with year-round wages. For those considering per-diem roles, rates can vary broadly; general per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians may earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians commanding $35 to $55 per hour. The differences in pay often reflect the type of employer, where general practice clinics might offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Health benefits can also play a significant role in whether a veterinary technician accepts positions with slightly lower hourly pay, as larger organizations may provide more comprehensive coverage. In negotiating pay within Des Moines, professionals should emphasize relevant experience and any specialty qualifications, which can provide leverage for better hourly rates in a competitive market sensitive to staffing shortages.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Des Moines?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Des Moines?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in 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 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 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