Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Great Falls, MT: $34,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,774 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,148 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting veterinary technologist and technician salary in Great Falls, MT, is projected to be approximately $34,774, which is considerably lower than the city's median salary of $47,958. New graduates should set realistic expectations when entering the job market, recognizing that the financial gap can be bridged within the first few years of employment. Those starting at the bottom of the pay scale may see a growth trajectory from this entry-level rate to the 25th percentile at $38,145 and eventually reaching the median within three to five years, assuming they gain experience and pursue relevant certifications. Given the competitive job market for veterinary professionals, coupled with the cost of living being below the national average, Great Falls presents a favorable opportunity for recent graduates looking to kickstart their careers in veterinary technology.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Great Falls, MT typically start between $34,774 and $38,145 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,168 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,958 — 4.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Montana of $20,000 represents just 57.51% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($34,774/year) in Great Falls. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $34,774 to $38,145, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Great Falls is $31,168 ( 89.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,774, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,942.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,642
2025 BLS Actual
$32,961
2026 Current Est.
$34,774
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,642 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,555 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,186 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,768 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,857 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,425 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,686 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,642 in 2019 to $32,961 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,686. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Great Falls
New graduates entering the veterinary field in Great Falls will find that the primary employers are general practice clinics, which provide essential on-the-job training. Corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl also contribute significantly to local job opportunities, offering structured mentorship programs and bonuses for new hires. Specialty hospitals often require prior general practice experience, making entry-level positions crucial for career advancement. To enhance starting pay, new grads should aim to complete their education from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, pass the VTNE, and obtain state certification as a CVT, RVT, LVT, or equivalent. The growing demand for veterinary technicians, fueled by a workforce shortage, has led to significant wage increases in recent years, making this a strategic time to pursue specialization, such as the VTS pathway, where qualified technicians can command rates exceeding $30 per hour. With the right credentials and continued education, salary growth within the first few years can be substantial, reflecting the dynamic nature of the veterinary profession in Montana.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Great Falls?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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