Vet Tech salary

Idaho Falls vs Lewiston: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Lewiston, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Idaho Falls, ID
$40,723
$19.58/hr
Lewiston, ID
$39,162
$18.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIdaho Falls, IDLewiston, ID
Median Salary$40,723$39,162
Hourly Rate$19.58$18.83
Entry Level (P10)$30,658$31,635
25th Percentile$39,151$33,248
75th Percentile$46,019$47,321
Top Earner (P90)$50,091$51,016
Total Employed708
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Idaho Falls ($40,723) and Lewiston ($39,162) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Idaho FallsLewistonMedian Salary$40,723$39,162Entry Level (P10)$30,658$31,635Top Earner (P90)$50,091$51,016US Median $49,986

Verdict

Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.

The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Lewiston is $1,561 (3.99%). Idaho Falls's median is -18.53% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $19,433,Lewiston spans $19,381. Idaho Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Idaho Falls
P10 (Entry)$30,658
P25$39,151
Median$40,723
P75$46,019
P90 (Top)$50,091
Lewiston
P10 (Entry)$31,635
P25$33,248
Median$39,162
P75$47,321
P90 (Top)$51,016

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($43,133 effective) pays 4.96% more than Lewiston ($41,093 effective).

Idaho Falls
Nominal: $40,723
CoL Index: 94.412
Adjusted: $43,133
Lewiston
Nominal: $39,162
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $41,093

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Idaho Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,723/year)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,133)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Lewiston if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($51,016)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Idaho Falls grew 30.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Lewiston over the same period.

Idaho Falls, ID

+30.2%

$29,650 (2021) → $38,600 (2025)

Lewiston, ID

+3.7%

$35,780 (2024) → $37,120 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Idaho Falls or Lewiston?

Idaho Falls has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,723/year, compared to Lewiston at $39,162/year — a difference of $1,561 (3.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Lewiston?

Idaho Falls veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.58/hr while Lewiston hygienists earn $18.83/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Lewiston as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Idaho Falls and Lewiston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Idaho Falls = $43,133, Lewiston = $41,093), job availability (70 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Idaho Falls vs Lewiston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,658 in Idaho Falls and $31,635 in Lewiston. The Lewiston 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