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Veterinary Lab Technician Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Lab Technician information

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How much do veterinary lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary lab technician in Iowa is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary lab technician?

Veterinary Lab Technicians are trained professionals who assist veterinarians by performing laboratory tests, analyzing samples, and helping diagnose diseases in animals. They work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, and diagnostic laboratories. Their responsibilities include preparing specimens, operating lab equipment, and recording results to support animal healthcare. Veterinary Lab Technicians play a vital role in ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for animals.

What are some typical challenges faced by veterinary lab technicians in their daily work?

Veterinary Lab Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of samples while maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict protocols. They may also work with distressed animals or urgent cases, requiring them to stay calm under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, technicians must be vigilant about biohazard safety and proper handling of specimens to prevent contamination. Collaboration with veterinarians and other team members is essential for accurate diagnoses and smooth workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Lab Technician, you need a solid background in animal science, laboratory procedures, and typically an associate degree in veterinary technology or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic laboratory equipment, sample analysis techniques, and veterinary software systems is crucial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you manage samples accurately and support veterinarians efficiently. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure precise diagnostics, maintain animal health, and support smooth clinical operations.

What is the difference between Veterinary Lab Technician vs Veterinary Technologist?

AspectVeterinary Lab TechnicianVeterinary Technologist
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in veterinary technologyBachelor's degree in veterinary technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, clinics, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary diagnostic labs, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and certificationsCompared for advanced responsibilities and education

Veterinary Lab Technicians typically hold an associate degree and focus on laboratory testing and diagnostics. Veterinary Technologists usually have a bachelor's degree and perform more advanced clinical and research tasks. Both roles are essential in veterinary medicine, but the technologist often has broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

How to become a veterinary lab technician?

To become a veterinary lab technician, you typically need an associate degree in veterinary technology or a related field from an accredited program. Certification or licensing, such as passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), is often required or preferred by employers. Skills in laboratory procedures, animal handling, and familiarity with diagnostic tools are also important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Lab Technician jobs in Iowa?

For Veterinary Lab Technician jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Lab Technician jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Lab Technician jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Veterinary Lab Technician jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Veterinary Lab Technician job openings:

Veterinary Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Lab Technician job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,402 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Lab Technician - Veterinary Technology (Part Time)

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$18.58/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Kirkwood Community College rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: $18.58 Hourly
Location : Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 02919
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Agricultural Science
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Under limited supervision, provides coordination and support for the daily operation of the Veterinary Technology program. This position requires independent judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills, strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, good computer skills and the ability to handle pressures related to deadlines.
The work schedule will be 3 pm to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. This position will also be September - December and then January - May.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Supervise afternoon animal care rotations (3:00-6:00 PM Monday-Friday, September-December, January-May)
    • Communicate any problems with the instructor and/or veterinarian
    • Provide feedback to instructor(s) on student performance
  • Instruct students in appropriate completion of animal care tasks
  • Assist the full-time RVTs in monitoring student record keeping
  • Assist faculty, staff, and students in the maintenance of clean and organized laboratory areas
  • Perform limited kennel maintenance
  • Submit kennel and facility maintenance requests
  • Monitor patients and report any health problems to the attending veterinarian
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Be able and willing to represent the College in the most positive manner with members, students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve.
  • Cooperate as a team member with the Animal Health faculty and staff in performing duties essential to the achievement of efficient program operations.
  • Ability to assume responsibility, deal effectively with problems, and exercise independent judgment when making decisions.
  • Be punctual and reliable.
  • Ability to work in an educational environment training environment.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
  • Work effectively and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions, deal with deadlines, and be flexible.
  • Must be able to handle and work with small animals.
  • Must be available to work afternoons, 3:00-6:000 p.m. Monday-Friday for animal care.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Moderate to light work. Position involves sitting and/or standing constantly (67-100%) in a laboratory/office setting. Exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally (10-33%). Frequent (34-66%) reaching, standing, walking, lifting, dexterity, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions. Handling and restraint of both small and large animals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 3 years of recent hands-on clinical experience in a small or mixed animal veterinary practice, including direct involvement in patient care, animal handling, and clinical procedures
  • Proficient using Microsoft Office
  • Valid Driver's License
    • This position requires a valid driver's license and participation in continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring. Your driving record will be verified initially and monitored on an ongoing basis as a condition of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • Currently registered as a Veterinary Technician in Iowa
  • Supervisory experience

EEO AA/STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, , or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, Telephone: (312) 730-1560 Facsimile: (312) 730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: .
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
01
Do you have 3 years of recent hands-on clinical experience in a small or mixed animal veterinary practice, including direct involvement in patient care, animal handling, and clinical procedures?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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