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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vet Assistant in Iowa is $44,759 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Vet Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Vet Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $49,653 | $4,138 | $955 | $24 |
| Average | $44,759 | $3,730 | $861 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,210 | $3,434 | $793 | $20 |
PetVet Care Centers - Alburnett, IA
Iowa State University - Ames, IA
PetVet Care Centers - Ottumwa, IA
Urgent Care Northwest - Astoria - ASTORIA, OR
A Vet Assistant'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 Vet Assistant'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 Vet Assistant | $44,168 |
| Intermediate Level Vet Assistant | $44,414 |
| Senior Level Vet Assistant | $45,153 |
| Specialist Level Vet Assistant | $47,364 |
| Expert Level Vet Assistant | $48,466 |
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 Vet Assistants. 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 Vet Assistant 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, Vet Assistant positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vet Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $58,187 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $53,711 | $26.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $49,235 | $24.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Vet Assistant'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 | $49,653 | $4,138 | $955 | $24 |
| Average | $44,759 | $3,730 | $861 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,210 | $3,434 | $793 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Vet Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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