Vet Tech salary

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

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

Idaho Falls, ID
$40,723
$19.58/hr
Pocatello, ID
$39,014
$18.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIdaho Falls, IDPocatello, ID
Median Salary$40,723$39,014
Hourly Rate$19.58$18.76
Entry Level (P10)$30,658$28,939
25th Percentile$39,151$35,859
75th Percentile$46,019$47,707
Top Earner (P90)$50,091$49,005
Total Employed7030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Idaho Falls ($40,723) and Pocatello ($39,014) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Idaho FallsPocatelloMedian Salary$40,723$39,014Entry Level (P10)$30,658$28,939Top Earner (P90)$50,091$49,005US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Pocatello is $1,709 (4.38%). 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,Pocatello spans $20,066. Pocatello has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Idaho Falls
P10 (Entry)$30,658
P25$39,151
Median$40,723
P75$46,019
P90 (Top)$50,091
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, Pocatello ($43,882 effective) pays 1.74% more than Idaho Falls ($43,133 effective).

Idaho Falls
Nominal: $40,723
CoL Index: 94.412
Adjusted: $43,133
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 Idaho Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,723/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($50,091)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Pocatello if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,882)
  • 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 38.6% growth in Pocatello over the same period.

Idaho Falls, ID

+30.2%

$29,650 (2021) → $38,600 (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: Idaho Falls or Pocatello?

Idaho Falls has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,723/year, compared to Pocatello at $39,014/year — a difference of $1,709 (4.38%).

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

Idaho Falls veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.58/hr while Pocatello hygienists earn $18.76/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Idaho Falls and Pocatello. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Idaho Falls = $43,133, Pocatello = $43,882), job availability (70 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,658 in Idaho Falls and $28,939 in Pocatello. The Idaho Falls 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