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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Iowa
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$35,720
Median Annual Salary
▲
+14.5% vs 2024
$37,050
Mean Salary
$35,720
Median Salary
$17.17
Hourly Rate
1,380 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Iowa
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa earn a median salary of $35,720 per year ($2,976/month).
This is 7.7% below the national average of $38,713.
Iowa ranks #42 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 1,380 people work in this occupation across Iowa.
Salaries increased by 14.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Writing
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.33
English Language
3.83
Biology
3.56
Administrative
3.51
Medicine and Dentistry
3.5
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(78.2% of workers)
Salary Range: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa range from $29,440 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,220 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $30,590 and $39,020.
Median $35,720
P10: $29,440P25: $30,590P75: $39,020P90: $47,220
10th
$29,440
25th
$30,590
Median
$35,720
75th
$39,020
90th
$47,220
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$29,440
$14.15
$2,453
25th Percentile
$30,590
$14.71
$2,549
Median (50th)
$35,720
$17.17
$2,976
75th Percentile
$39,020
$18.76
$3,251
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,220
$22.70
$3,935
Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,050 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#42
Iowa ranks #42 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa is $35,720 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,050.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa range from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $47,220 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $30,590 and $39,020.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Iowa typically start around $29,440 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $30,590 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,380 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa is approximately $17.17 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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