Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Urbandale, IA: $45,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Urbandale, IA earns a median $45,536/year (≈ $21.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Urbandale's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $50,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, Iowa, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in 2026 is projected to reach $45,536 annually, reflecting ongoing adjustments in the local market influenced by corporate pay scales from major employers such as VCA and BluePearl. Salaries for this profession range from $36,256 at the 10th percentile to $58,641 at the 90th percentile, indicating a solid variation based on experience and workplace setting. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data consider regional cost of living adjustments, highlighting that the compensation in Urbandale is about 8.90% lower than the national median annual salary of $49,986. This competitive pay landscape offers opportunities for growth in a market where demand for qualified veterinary professionals remains strong, particularly as the workforce shortage continues to impact the sector.
About the Urbandale Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,256 | $17.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,305 | $18.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,536 | $21.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,713 | $26.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,641 | $28.19 |
Median Salary Position
8.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbandale
In Urbandale, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,385 (2026 est.). At $45,536, the local median is 8.9% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Urbandale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbandale Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Urbandale median: $45,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbandale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,682 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.90% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Urbandale, IA earn a median of $45,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $47,682.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbandale has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Urbandale, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,372 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,176
2025 BLS Actual
$43,162
2026 Current Est.
$45,536
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,032 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,569 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,040 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbandale metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,176 (2019) to $43,162 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,040 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,864 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbandale 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) | $36,256 – $38,305 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,305 – $45,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,536 – $54,713 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,713 – $58,641 |
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 Urbandale
With approximately 12 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Urbandale, the local job market demonstrates stability amid projected growth at an annual rate of 5.50%. The cost of living index in Urbandale stands at 90.4, suggesting a favorable environment for take-home purchasing power compared to higher-cost areas. Major corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, often provide the highest salaries within the industry, while specialty hospitals may offer top-end wages for positions that require Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials. Variability in pay arises from factors including shifts worked, specialization in areas such as emergency care or anesthesia, and corporate pay scales, with some positions commanding considerable hourly rates. To maximize earnings in Urbandale's market, aspiring veterinary professionals should focus on pursuing specialized certifications and seeking employment with corporate entities, as this path is most likely to lead to higher compensation packages.
More salary data for Urbandale, 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 $43,162 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Urbandale 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
Salary data for Urbandale 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