Veterinarian Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median veterinarian salary in Des Moines, IA is $94,999 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Veterinarian Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median veterinarian salary of $94,999, which is $3,098 above the Iowa state average of $91,901. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for veterinarians in Des Moines spans from $59,984 at the 10th percentile to $160,264 at the 90th percentile — a $100,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,560, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,600. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Veterinarian Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $62,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,984 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,968 |
| Median (50th) | $94,999 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,648 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,264 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Veterinarian in Des Moines
Education
Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Veterinarian Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open veterinarian positions in Des Moines, IA: