Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Caldwell, ID: $19.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Caldwell, ID runs $19.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Caldwell's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Caldwell, Idaho, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $19.73. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03, which could impact professionals seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. For those working three days a week in general practice settings or specialty facilities like emergency and critical care wards, this translates to varying annual earnings depending on hours worked. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $14.15 per hour, while top earners in Caldwell can reach up to $25.57 per hour, based on skill set and experience. The hourly rates provided here are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the economic factors at play in Idaho's veterinary sector.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.15 | $113.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.70 | $133.61 |
| Median (P50) | $19.73 | $157.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.65 | $189.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.57 | $204.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Caldwell
Based on $19.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.73/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Caldwell, ID can expect to earn approximately $41,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,674. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Caldwell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Caldwell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $789.14 | $3,420 | $41,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $473.48 | $2,052 | $24,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.66 | $1,368 | $16,414 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Caldwell) | $19.73 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Caldwell, ID earn a median of $41,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the Idaho state average of $40,717.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.73/hr = $24,621/year (purchasing power: $25,835).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,035/year (purchasing power: $43,059).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell grew 34.1% from $13.94/hr (2019) to $18.70/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.81/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Caldwell
Evaluating the financial prospects for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals interesting dynamics in Caldwell's job market. A professional working a 24-hour week may take home about $30,000 annually, starkly contrasting with full-time earnings. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Caldwell ranges notably higher, where professionals can bill between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty technicians with VTS credentials often command $35 to $55 per hour, while weekend and overnight coverage positions can offer $30 to $50 per hour. Differences in hourly rates often stem from employer types, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral hospitals generally providing higher compensation. However, some may trade off higher hourly wages for the benefits that come with full-time positions. For those negotiating hourly pay in Caldwell, understanding the nuances of local demand and the value of certifications can provide leverage in salary discussions.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Caldwell?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Caldwell?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Caldwell?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caldwell 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