Veterinary Technologists and Technicians salary in Ames, IA
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $50,730 a year ($24.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 270 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,600 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $47,380. Pay here is 11% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $45,560. There are 4.9 veterinary technologists and technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 5.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $55,980, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,860 | $19.17 |
| 25th percentile | $48,330 | $23.24 |
| Median | $50,730 | $24.39 |
| 75th percentile | $63,860 | $30.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,600 | $37.79 |
| Average (mean) | $55,980 | $26.91 |
Half of veterinary technologists and technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,227.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,113.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,951.15 |
| Weekly | $975.58 |
| Hourly | $24.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $47,780 | 220 |
| Iowa City, IA | $47,720 | 50 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $45,210 | 50 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $45,140 | 120 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $44,970 | 240 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $44,650 | 110 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $41,130 | 40 |
| Dubuque, IA | $41,070 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for veterinary technologists and technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $61,270 |
| California | $60,630 |
| Washington | $59,740 |
| New York | $59,010 |
| Minnesota | $57,270 |
| Oregon | $55,810 |
| Virginia | $52,090 |
| Connecticut | $50,950 |
| Maine | $50,810 |
| Nevada | $50,250 |
See Veterinary Technologists and Technicians pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $65,610 | $31.55 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $39,310 | $18.90 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $56,380 | $27.10 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $66,760 | $32.09 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $49,850 | $23.97 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $48,060 | $23.11 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $40,860 | $19.64 |
| Paramedic | $62,920 | $30.25 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $82,110 | $39.48 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $46,000 | $22.12 |
| Registered Nurse | $77,160 | $37.09 |
| Dental Hygienist | $89,130 | $42.85 |
| Veterinarian | $118,240 | $56.85 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,600 | $61.34 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-2056. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in the Ames, IA metro area is $50,730 a year, or $24.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,600 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of veterinary technologists and technicians in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $78,600 a year. The top 25% earn $63,860 or more.
What is the starting pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,860 a year, and a quarter of veterinary technologists and technicians earn $48,330 or less.
How many veterinary technologists and technicians work in Ames, IA?
About 270 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.