Veterinarian Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$124,610
$59.91/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
-0.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $169K
1K employed in Iowa
Veterinarian salary in Iowa averages $124,610 annually, placing the state on par with the national average. With approximately 1,000 veterinarians employed across Iowa, salaries in this field range from $72,800 to $168,950 per year, reflecting the diversity of practice settings and experience levels within the profession.
Several factors influence veterinarian compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, type of practice, and geographic location within the state. Specialists and those operating their own clinics typically earn toward the higher end of the salary spectrum, while newly graduated veterinarians and those in rural areas may start closer to the lower range. Practice focus—whether small animal, large animal, or mixed—also significantly impacts earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,800 |
| 25th percentile | $94,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,610 |
| 75th percentile | $152,140 |
| 90th percentile | $168,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $90,360 |
| 2023 | $99,250 |
| 2024 | $100,910 |
| 2025 | $124,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,087 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $90,360 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $99,250 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $100,910 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $124,610 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,087 | $132,441 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $94,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $152,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,950 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Veterinarian ($124,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +244.3% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +225.2% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +197.2% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +185.7% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +137.0% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +127.2% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +119.1% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +112.8% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +110.6% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +45.7% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +11.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +8.2% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Iowa?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Iowa is $124,610 per year, or $60 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.3%, making Iowa's veterinary salaries competitive with the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for vets in Iowa?
- Veterinarian salaries in Iowa range from $72,800 at the lower end to $168,950 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice type across the state's veterinary profession.
Is Iowa a good state for veterinarian jobs based on pay?
- Yes, Iowa offers competitive veterinarian compensation with a median salary of $124,610 that is only 0.3% below the national average. With approximately 1,000 veterinarians employed in the state, there is a stable job market for this profession.
What's the highest salary a veterinarian can earn in Iowa?
- The highest-earning veterinarians in Iowa can make up to $168,950 per year. This represents the top end of the salary spectrum for the profession in the state and is typically earned by experienced practitioners or those with specialized credentials.