Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $49,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $49,757/year (≈ $23.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $55,041 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in West Des Moines, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $49,757 in 2026, closely aligning with the national median of $49,986. This local figure represents a salary range from $38,645 at the 10th percentile to $66,266 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a notable spread in compensation within the profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the cost of living in the region, which holds a cost of living index of 90.4, reflecting affordability compared to national averages. As corporate veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl influence pay scales, job seekers can find competitive compensation in West Des Moines, specifically considering the market's unique position and employment landscape.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,645 | $18.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,258 | $19.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,757 | $23.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,865 | $29.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,266 | $31.86 |
Median Salary Position
0.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,621 (2026 est.). At $49,757, the local median is 0.46% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $49,757/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,660 | +4.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.46% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,757 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,041 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,158
2025 BLS Actual
$47,163
2026 Current Est.
$49,757
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,681 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,494 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,158 (2019) to $47,163 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,494 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,336 (49.31%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,645 – $40,258 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,258 – $49,757 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,757 – $60,865 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,865 – $66,266 |
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 West Des Moines
In this area, there are currently 16 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, demonstrating a steady local job market. The lower cost of living allows for a favorable purchasing power, enabling professionals to stretch their earnings despite slight underperformance compared to national averages. Among local employers, corporate chains tend to offer competitive salaries, especially for those with advanced credentials or who work in specialty referral hospitals. Factors such as the VTS specialty credential in areas like emergency care or anesthesia significantly elevate earning potential, pushing salaries into the higher brackets. Strategies for maximizing pay in West Des Moines include pursuing specialty certifications through NAVTA or gaining experience in high-demand sectors. With a projected growth rate of 5.50%, opportunities in this field will likely expand, inviting current and future veterinary professionals to enhance their careers in the city.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Des Moines, IA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K 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
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 $47,163 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the West 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
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