Agriculture & Environment Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Veterinary Technician Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median veterinary technician salary in Des Moines, IA is $35,190 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$35,190
vs State Avg
+$1,147
vs National
$-3,060
Cost of Living
92%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median veterinary technician salary of $35,190, which is $1,147 above the Iowa state average of $34,043. Compared to the national median of $38,250, 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 veterinary technicians in Des Moines spans from $24,840 at the 10th percentile to $50,600 at the 90th percentile — a $25,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,680, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $26,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,680
$-2,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,880
$-3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,760
$-4,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $24,840
25th Percentile $29,440
Median (50th) $35,190
75th Percentile $42,320
90th Percentile $50,600

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$36,338
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$33,660
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$32,895
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$32,130
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Des Moines

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $35,190 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $24,840 (10th percentile) to $50,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,190, a veterinary technician in Des Moines earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Des Moines's median veterinary technician salary of $35,190 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $34,043. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $35,190 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Des Moines? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Des Moines require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.