Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Moines, IA: $50,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Des Moines, IA earns a median $50,408/year (≈ $24.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $54,970 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines, IA, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $50,408 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $49,986. Salary ranges for this profession in the area stretch from $40,185 at the lower percentiles to $52,623 at the upper end, reflecting the diverse opportunities and qualifications within this field. This data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlighting the increasing recognition of veterinary specialists within the market. As credentialed Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) in areas such as emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia pursue higher salaries, their expertise continues to shape the job market landscape in Des Moines, making them highly sought after in various employment settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,185 | $19.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,029 | $19.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,408 | $24.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,801 | $24.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,623 | $25.30 |
Median Salary Position
0.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,438 (2026 est.). At $50,408, the local median is 0.84% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Des Moines Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $50,408/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,645 | +5.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.84% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $50,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.80% above the Iowa state average of $47,645.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,408 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,970 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,400
2025 BLS Actual
$47,780
2026 Current Est.
$50,408
2019–2027 Growth
+69.4%
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 | $31,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 52.2% from $31,400 (2019) to $47,780 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,780 (69.36%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,185 – $41,029 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,029 – $50,408 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,408 – $51,801 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,801 – $52,623 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Des Moines
In Des Moines, approximately 220 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, indicating a stable local job market with room for growth. The cost of living index stands at 91.701, which is below the national average, allowing for greater purchasing power among local professionals; this makes the veterinary technologist and technician pay in Des Moines relatively competitive. Notably, corporate veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics, partly due to pay-scale structures that reward specialized roles and shifts in high-demand veterinary services, such as 24-hour emergency care. The variation in compensation can be largely attributed to factors like VTS credentials, experience levels, and the nature of the facility—whether it’s a specialty hospital or a general clinic. For those looking to maximize their salaries in this market, pursuing additional certifications, seeking employment in specialty or corporate hospitals, and staying informed about evolving market conditions are effective strategies.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,780 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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