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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Vet Tech in Iowa is $36,693 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Certified Vet Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Vet Tech Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,772 | $3,564 | $823 | $21 |
| Average | $36,693 | $3,058 | $706 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,099 | $2,758 | $637 | $16 |
PetVet Care Centers - Waverly, IA
PetVet Care Centers - West Des Moines, IA
PetVet Care Centers - Ottumwa, IA
Iowa State University - Ames, IA
A Certified Vet Tech's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Vet Tech's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Vet Tech | $36,843 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Vet Tech | $37,659 |
| Senior Level Certified Vet Tech | $40,705 |
| Specialist Level Certified Vet Tech | $41,031 |
| Expert Level Certified Vet Tech | $41,249 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Vet Teches. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Certified Vet Tech roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 50% above the average. Conversely, Certified Vet Tech positions in Edu., Gov't & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Vet Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $55,040 | $26.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Certified Vet Tech's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,772 | $3,564 | $823 | $21 |
| Average | $36,693 | $3,058 | $706 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,099 | $2,758 | $637 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Vet Tech job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Trinity Health
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Trinity Health | Newton, IA
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Deery Brothers Inc. | West Burlington, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description of the role. We are seeking a skilled Toyota Certified Auto Tech to join our team at Deery Brothers Inc. in W... more
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West Burlington, IA
Deery Brothers Inc. | West Burlington, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description of the role: As a Nissan Certified Tech at Deery Brothers Inc., you will be responsible for diagnosing, repai... more
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Deery Brothers of West Burlington
West Burlington, IA
Deery Brothers of West Burlington | West Burlington, IA
Nissan Certified Tech. As a Nissan Certified Tech at Deery Brothers Inc., you will be responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and servicing Nissan vehicles ... more
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Trinity Health
Des Moines, IA
Trinity Health | Des Moines, IA
Pharmacy Technician. At MercyOne, we care deeply about your well-beingboth physical and mental. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package design... more
4 Days Ago
Trinity Health
Des Moines, IA
Trinity Health | Des Moines, IA
Pharmacy Technician. Provides technical support in the delivery of pharmaceutical care to clients of MercyOne Central Iowa Medical Center. Technical suppor... more
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