Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lewiston, ID: $18.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lewiston, ID runs $18.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lewiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,502 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lewiston, Idaho, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $18.83, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This wage reflects the economic conditions of the area and the local demand for veterinary services. For individuals working part-time, such as those doing three days a week, this equates to an annual income that may not fully support a comfortable living, particularly in a community where cost-of-living factors are below the national average. Entry-level positions start at approximately $15.21 an hour, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $24.53 hourly. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, offering a glimmer of the earning potential that aligns with the variety of workplace settings typical in the veterinary field, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals.
About the Lewiston 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) | $15.21 | $121.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.98 | $127.87 |
| Median (P50) | $18.83 | $150.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.75 | $181.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.53 | $196.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lewiston
Based on $18.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.83/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lewiston, ID can expect to earn approximately $39,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,598. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lewiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lewiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $753.27 | $3,264 | $39,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $451.96 | $1,959 | $23,502 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $301.31 | $1,306 | $15,668 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lewiston) | $18.83 |
| 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 Lewiston, ID earn a median of $39,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.65% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Idaho state average of $40,709.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.83/hr = $23,502/year (purchasing power: $24,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,170/year (purchasing power: $41,102).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lewiston grew 34.1% from $13.31/hr (2019) to $17.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.87/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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Lewiston may find more lucrative opportunities, often billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour for their services. For VTS-credentialed specialists, the range can escalate to $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. In general practice settings, the hourly rates can vary, with corporate chain hospitals, referral institutions, and research facilities often offering different scales of pay. With the veterinary workforce shortage presenting challenges in staffing, there's potential for increased wages, especially for those willing to take on unconventional hours or high-stress roles. While some may choose higher hourly rates without benefits, opting for positions that provide health insurance may be a wiser long-term financial strategy. For technicians in this market, effectively negotiating based on local conditions and personal expertise can drastically influence earnings.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lewiston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lewiston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lewiston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lewiston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lewiston?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Lewiston. 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 Lewiston 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