Veterinarians Salary in Iowa

Veterinarians in Iowa earn the most in Des Moines (average $130,570 a year) and the least in Cedar Rapids ($122,230), across the 6 Iowa metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the veterinarians average at $122,200 and the median at $124,610 for 1,000 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $142,680.

Veterinarians average salary by city in Iowa

Des Moines$130,570
Iowa City$129,690
Davenport$129,520
Ames$128,990
Waterloo$128,150
Cedar Rapids$122,230

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Des Moines	$130,570	$130,900	$99,190	$96,161	92
Iowa City	$129,690	$128,180	$95,050	$95,593	92
Davenport	$129,520	$124,470	$97,030	$95,483	89
Ames	$128,990	$118,240	$97,780	$95,141	89
Waterloo	$128,150	$130,740	$99,270	$94,599	87
Cedar Rapids	$122,230	$127,160	$92,950	$90,777	89

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Veterinarians salary in other states

Veterinarians salary by city and state

More about pay in Iowa

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-1131.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.