Veterinarian Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $128,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Bettendorf, IA earns a median $128,754/year (≈ $61.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Bettendorf's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $142,427 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bettendorf, Iowa, the projected median veterinarian salary for 2026 stands at $128,754, reflecting a slight undershoot compared to the national average of $137,334. Salaries in the region range from a lower threshold of $78,009 at the 10th percentile to an upper limit of $199,569 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances and reflective of a local job market featuring an impressive array of veterinary specialties. The local landscape suggests that while general practitioners form the backbone of the market, specialized veterinarians such as those certified in surgery or internal medicine can command significantly higher compensation, emphasizing the value of board certifications in this competitive field.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,009 | $37.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,886 | $49.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,754 | $61.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,804 | $79.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,569 | $95.94 |
Median Salary Position
6.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bettendorf
In Bettendorf, IA, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,560 (2026 est.). At $128,754, the local median is 6.25% below the national median of $137,334.
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At 40 hours/week in Bettendorf: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bettendorf Veterinarian Pay Compares
Bettendorf median: $128,754/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bettendorf Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $134,821 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -6.25% less |
Veterinarians in Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $128,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $134,821.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bettendorf has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bettendorf, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $128,754 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,427 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,496
2025 BLS Actual
$121,972
2026 Current Est.
$128,754
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,049 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,099 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,912 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bettendorf metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $89,496 (2019) to $121,972 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,912 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,416 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,009 – $102,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,886 – $128,754 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,754 – $164,804 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,804 – $199,569 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Bettendorf
With only 10 veterinarians currently employed in Bettendorf, the local job market for veterinary professionals maintains a unique dynamic. The cost of living index for the area is 90.4, which indicates relatively lower living costs compared to national averages. This reality enhances the purchasing power of veterinarians in the region despite their salaries being slightly under the national benchmark. Employers in Bettendorf, such as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, often have substantial compensation packages, with many offering lucrative sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates. This trend highlights the disparity in pay driven by production-based compensation models and varying practice structures. To maximize earnings, veterinarians should consider pursuing additional specialty board certifications and exploring opportunities with corporate entities, as these steps are likely to significantly increase their overall pay and career advancement potential in Bettendorf, IA.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $121,972 for veterinariansin the Bettendorf metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bettendorf is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov