Vet Tech salary

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.

$41,043
Median Annual Salary
$19.73/hr
Hourly Rate
$29,428
Entry Level (P10)
$53,203
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Caldwell, ID — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Caldwell, ID veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Caldwell earning $19.73/hr would make approximately $23,674 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $41,035 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$23,674Reduced (32 hr/wk)$31,566Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$41,035

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$157.83
per 8hr shift
$789.14
per week
$3,420
per month
$41,035
per year

Schedule Comparison in Caldwell

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Caldwell ($41,043) with Idaho average ($40,717) and the US national median ($49,986).Caldwell$41,043Idaho Avg$40,717+0.80%US National$49,986-17.89%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell. Baseline $13.94/hr in 2025, projected to $20.81/hr by 2027.$13$15$17$20$222019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$13.94$14.31$14.54$15.09$17.26$16.62$18.70$19.73$20.81
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$13.94/hrActual
2020$14.31/hrActual
2021$14.54/hrActual
2022$15.09/hrActual
2023$17.26/hrActual
2024$16.62/hrActual
2025$18.70/hrActual
2026(current)$19.73/hrEstimated
2027$20.81/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell is $19.73/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $14.15 at entry level (10th percentile) to $25.57 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 17.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Caldwell?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Caldwell earns approximately $2,052/month, or $24,621/year at the median hourly rate of $19.73. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell are paid hourly at a median rate of $19.73/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $41,035/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Caldwell?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Caldwell earns approximately $41,035/year at the median hourly rate of $19.73. This is 17.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $53,192/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Caldwell?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $25.57/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Idaho

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

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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