Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pocatello, ID: $18.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pocatello, ID runs $18.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pocatello's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,410 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pocatello, Idaho, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $18.76 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $24.03. This disparity reflects the local economic conditions which may impact job prospects and living standards for professionals in this field. For part-time workers who typically commit to three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem positions, this hourly wage can lead to varying overall earnings depending on shifts and demand. In Pocatello, hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians can range from $13.92 for those just starting out to $23.56 for seasoned professionals, placing them within the competitive salary bracket of critical roles in settings like general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and research laboratories. The official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics underscores the importance of these roles amidst a workforce shortage that has prompted pay increases nationwide.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.92 | $111.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.24 | $137.91 |
| Median (P50) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.94 | $183.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.56 | $188.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pocatello
Based on $18.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pocatello, ID can expect to earn approximately $39,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,509. With a cost-of-living index of 88.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pocatello.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pocatello
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $750.32 | $3,251 | $39,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.19 | $1,951 | $23,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.13 | $1,301 | $15,607 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pocatello) | $18.76 |
| 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 Pocatello, ID earn a median of $39,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Idaho state average of $40,724.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.76/hr = $23,410/year (purchasing power: $26,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,016/year (purchasing power: $43,885).
CoL index: 88.906 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pocatello grew 38.6% from $12.83/hr (2019) to $17.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.79/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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello
A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would take home approximately $29,214 per year, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per-diem opportunities, the compensation ranges significantly; these workers can command billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty technicians, particularly those with VTS credentials, can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, increasingly attractive amid ongoing staffing shortages. Employers such as veterinary corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and even research labs in Pocatello may offer differing hourly rates based on their operational needs and benefit packages. While some positions might provide lower hourly wages accompanied by comprehensive health benefits, others demand a higher pay rate but offer little in terms of job security or benefits. Those in this profession must navigate these factors thoughtfully when negotiating hourly compensation to align with their financial goals and career aspirations in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pocatello in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pocatello?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pocatello paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pocatello?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pocatello?
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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 Pocatello. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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