Vet tech salary in Iowa
Vet techs in Iowa earned a median of $45,560 a year in May 2025, about $21.90 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 4% below the U.S. median of $47,380. Eight in ten earned between $36,290 (10th percentile) and $63,860 (90th percentile).
Vet tech pay in Iowa
| Level | A year | An hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,290 | $17.45 |
| Median | $45,560 | $21.90 |
| 90th percentile | $63,860 | $30.70 |
Iowa ranks 31 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by median vet tech pay. About 1,220 vet techs worked in Iowa. BLS reports veterinary technologists (usually a four-year degree) and technicians (usually a two-year degree) as one group.
Jobs in Iowa
Browse veterinary jobs, with pay shown when the employer states it.
Other veterinary roles in Iowa
| Role | Median a year | Median an hour | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet tech | $45,560 | $21.90 | $47,380 |
| Vet assistant | $35,720 | $17.17 | $38,150 |
| Veterinarian | $124,610 | $59.91 | $130,100 |
The credential in Iowa
Title: Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Required to work as a tech: Yes, with conditions. Full rules: how to become a vet tech in Iowa. Training: vet tech schools in Iowa.
FAQ
How much does a vet tech make in Iowa?
The median was $45,560 a year in May 2025 (BLS), 4% below the U.S. median of $47,380.
How much does a vet tech make an hour in Iowa?
About $21.90 an hour at the median, from the BLS yearly figure of $45,560 divided by 2,080 hours.
How does Iowa rank for vet tech pay?
Iowa ranks 31 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by BLS median pay. The highest medians were District of Columbia ($61,270), California ($60,630), Washington ($59,740).
Do you need a license to be a vet tech in Iowa?
Yes, with conditions. A certificate is required to use the RVT title. See the Iowa guide.
Figures are BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for May 2025, the latest release, for wage and salary workers (the self-employed are not included). The median is the middle wage: half earned more, half earned less. Hourly figures are the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours, the way BLS converts between the two. Retrieved from the BLS Public Data API on November 5, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, veterinary technologists and technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS state estimates (Public Data API)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
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