Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $19.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Meridian, ID runs $19.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,875 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,529 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Idaho, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $19.65, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $24.03. This substantial gap may influence both part-time and per-diem workers in the field. For example, those working three days a week would bring home approximately $15,115 annually without benefits, while per-diem positions often offer rates between $15.15 (entry-level) and $26.97 (top earners). These roles can be found across various employment settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical research animal facilities. Understanding the hourly range can help professionals better evaluate their pay options based on experience and specific work environments.
About the Meridian 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) | $15.15 | $121.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.33 | $130.65 |
| Median (P50) | $19.65 | $157.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.66 | $189.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.97 | $215.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $19.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.65/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $40,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,586. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $786.19 | $3,407 | $40,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $471.71 | $2,044 | $24,529 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.47 | $1,363 | $16,353 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Meridian) | $19.65 |
| 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 Meridian, ID earn a median of $40,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $40,712.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.65/hr = $24,529/year (purchasing power: $25,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,882/year (purchasing power: $42,898).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian grew 34.1% from $13.89/hr (2019) to $18.63/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.74/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian face distinct economic realities compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour workweek not only limits annual earnings but also impacts their eligibility for crucial benefits, with many opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance stability. Per-diem workers, often billing between $25 and $40 per hour, have lucrative opportunities available, with VTS-credentialed specialists commanding hourly rates that can reach $35 to $55. These positions, particularly in understaffed settings, can offer weekend and overnight coverage rates as high as $30 to $50. Moreover, hourly rates vary significantly among employer types, with corporate chain hospitals typically providing different compensation structures compared to specialty hospitals or research labs. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, researching specific local job markets and understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits will enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Meridian?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Meridian?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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