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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Veterinary Technician in Iowa is $44,171 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $49,001 | $4,083 | $942 | $24 |
| Average | $44,171 | $3,681 | $849 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,669 | $3,389 | $782 | $20 |
National Veterinary Association - Des Moines, IA
National Veterinary Association - Des Moines, IA
BluePearl Pet Hospitals - Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa State University - Ames, IA
A Lead Veterinary Technician'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 Lead Veterinary Technician'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 Lead Veterinary Technician | $43,587 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $43,831 |
| Senior Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $44,560 |
| Specialist Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $46,742 |
| Expert Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $47,829 |
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 Lead Veterinary Technicians. 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 Lead Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,423 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $53,005 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $48,588 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Veterinary Technician'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 | $49,001 | $4,083 | $942 | $24 |
| Average | $44,171 | $3,681 | $849 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,669 | $3,389 | $782 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
National Veterinary Association
Des Moines, IA
National Veterinary Association | Des Moines, IA
Veterinary Technician. City: Des Moines. State: Iowa. Hospital Name: Ingersoll Animal Hospital more
1 Day Ago
Veterinary Practice Partners
Hiawatha, IA
Veterinary Practice Partners | Hiawatha, IA
Registered Veterinary Technician. Hiawatha, IA. Veterinary Technician. Salary: $20+ per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifi... more
2 Days Ago
Whitehaven Veterinary Center Pets and Pigs
Davenport, IA
Whitehaven Veterinary Center Pets and Pigs | Davenport, IA
Whitehaven Veterinary Center Pets and Pigs in Fairbanks, AK seeks a Registered Veterinary Technician to support doctors in medical, surgical, and preventiv... more
3 Days Ago
Mission Pet Health
Altoona, IA
Mission Pet Health | Altoona, IA
Veterinary Technician Extern. At Altoona Veterinary Hospital, you will join an AAHA-accredited practice dedicated to the highest standards of medical excel... more
4 Days Ago
Banfield Pet Hospital
Ankeny, IA
Banfield Pet Hospital | Ankeny, IA
Registered Veterinary Technician. We are hiring for the following location(s): Clive, IA and Ankeny Delaware, IA. The pay range for this role is $20.92 - $... more
5 Days Ago
BluePearl Pet Hospitals
Des Moines, IA
BluePearl Pet Hospitals | Des Moines, IA
Veterinary Technician Opportunity. BluePearl Pet Hospital is hiring Veterinary Technicians for mid-shift or overnight hours. Are you committed and passiona... more
5 Days Ago
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