Vet Tech salary

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

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

Coeur d'Alene, ID
$47,201
$22.69/hr
Pocatello, ID
$39,014
$18.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCoeur d'Alene, IDPocatello, ID
Median Salary$47,201$39,014
Hourly Rate$22.69$18.76
Entry Level (P10)$38,982$28,939
25th Percentile$40,333$35,859
75th Percentile$50,408$47,707
Top Earner (P90)$66,402$49,005
Total Employed7030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Coeur d'Alene ($47,201) and Pocatello ($39,014) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Coeur d'AlenePocatelloMedian Salary$47,201$39,014Entry Level (P10)$38,982$28,939Top Earner (P90)$66,402$49,005US 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 Pocatello.

The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello is $8,187 (20.98%). 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 Coeur d'Alene spans $27,420,Pocatello spans $20,066. Coeur d'Alene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Coeur d'Alene
P10 (Entry)$38,982
P25$40,333
Median$47,201
P75$50,408
P90 (Top)$66,402
Pocatello
P10 (Entry)$28,939
P25$35,859
Median$39,014
P75$47,707
P90 (Top)$49,005

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Coeur d'Alene ($48,021 effective) pays 9.43% more than Pocatello ($43,882 effective).

Coeur d'Alene
Nominal: $47,201
CoL Index: 98.293
Adjusted: $48,021
Pocatello
Nominal: $39,014
CoL Index: 88.906
Adjusted: $43,882

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Pocatello if…

  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew 56.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Pocatello over the same period.

Coeur d'Alene, ID

+56.5%

$28,590 (2019) → $44,740 (2025)

Pocatello, ID

+38.6%

$26,680 (2019) → $36,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Coeur d'Alene has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,201/year, compared to Pocatello at $39,014/year — a difference of $8,187 (20.98%).

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

Coeur d'Alene veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.69/hr while Pocatello hygienists earn $18.76/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Coeur d'Alene = $48,021, Pocatello = $43,882), job availability (70 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,982 in Coeur d'Alene and $28,939 in Pocatello. 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