Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Moines, WA: $62,046 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Des Moines, WA earns a median $62,046/year (≈ $29.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Moines, WA, can expect a median annual salary of $62,046 in 2026, which is significantly above the national median of $49,986 for the same year. This figures reflect local adjustments based on BLS state-level data, indicating a healthy job market that favors veterinary specialists. The salary range for these professionals spans from $47,813 at the 10th percentile to $80,616 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a pay gradient that differentiates those working in specialty hospitals from general practice settings. With a growing demand in the veterinary field, experienced technicians with specialty credentials are well-positioned to take advantage of the competitive landscape in Des Moines.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,813 | $22.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,164 | $24.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,046 | $29.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,844 | $35.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,616 | $38.76 |
Median Salary Position
24.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,803 (2026 est.). At $62,046, the local median is 24.13% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $62,046/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,609 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +24.13% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,046 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,771 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,841
2025 BLS Actual
$58,811
2026 Current Est.
$62,046
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
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 | $43,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,741 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,466 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,293 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,204 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,046 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,458 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,841 (2019) to $58,811 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,458 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,617 (49.31%) 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) | $47,813 – $51,164 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,164 – $62,046 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,046 – $74,844 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,844 – $80,616 |
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
The local job market currently employs seven veterinary technologists and technicians, which suggests a niche environment where every position can hold significance. However, living in Des Moines poses challenges as evidenced by the cost-of-living index of 107.4, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average. For those seeking the best pay, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often offer the highest salaries compared to general practice clinics, while specialty referral hospitals tend to pay even more due to the complexity of care provided. The variation in salaries is influenced by several factors, including specialty credentials like VTS, shift differentials at emergency hospitals, and a competitive pay scale established by corporate chains. Professionals looking to enhance their veterinary technologist and technician salary in Des Moines should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in specialty practices to optimize their earning potential.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Des Moines, WA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K 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
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 $58,811 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
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