Vet Tech salary

Caldwell vs Coeur d'Alene: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Caldwell, ID and Coeur d'Alene, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Caldwell, ID
$41,043
$19.73/hr
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$47,201
$22.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCaldwell, IDCoeur d'Alene, ID
Median Salary$41,043$47,201
Hourly Rate$19.73$22.69
Entry Level (P10)$29,428$38,982
25th Percentile$34,732$40,333
75th Percentile$49,204$50,408
Top Earner (P90)$53,203$66,402
Total Employed870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Caldwell ($41,043) and Coeur d'Alene ($47,201) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.CaldwellCoeur d'AleneMedian Salary$41,043$47,201Entry Level (P10)$29,428$38,982Top Earner (P90)$53,203$66,402US Median $49,986

Verdict

Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caldwell.

The salary gap between Caldwell and Coeur d'Alene is $6,158 (15.00%). Coeur d'Alene's median is -5.57% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caldwell spans $23,775,Coeur d'Alene spans $27,420. Coeur d'Alene has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Caldwell
P10 (Entry)$29,428
P25$34,732
Median$41,043
P75$49,204
P90 (Top)$53,203
Coeur d'Alene
P10 (Entry)$38,982
P25$40,333
Median$47,201
P75$50,408
P90 (Top)$66,402

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Coeur d'Alene ($48,021 effective) pays 11.50% more than Caldwell ($43,067 effective).

Caldwell
Nominal: $41,043
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $43,067
Coeur d'Alene
Nominal: $47,201
CoL Index: 98.293
Adjusted: $48,021

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Caldwell if…

  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Coeur d'Alene if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,201/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,402)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,021)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Caldwell grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 56.5% growth in Coeur d'Alene over the same period.

Caldwell, ID

+12.5%

$34,578 (2024) → $38,903 (2025)

Coeur d'Alene, ID

+56.5%

$28,590 (2019) → $44,740 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Caldwell or Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d'Alene has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,201/year, compared to Caldwell at $41,043/year — a difference of $6,158 (15.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Caldwell and Coeur d'Alene?

Caldwell veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.73/hr while Coeur d'Alene hygienists earn $22.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Caldwell to Coeur d'Alene as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Caldwell and Coeur d'Alene. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Caldwell = $43,067, Coeur d'Alene = $48,021), job availability (8 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Caldwell vs Coeur d'Alene?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,428 in Caldwell and $38,982 in Coeur d'Alene. The Coeur d'Alene area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov