Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $24.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bozeman, MT runs $24.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,113 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,072 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Bozeman, MT, is projected to be $24.10 for 2026, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate is significant for those working part-time, such as a 24-hour week over three days, translating to a stable income while potentially maintaining a flexible schedule. In the vibrant veterinary landscape of Bozeman, hourly pay ranges from $20.07 for entry-level roles to a maximum of $41.19 for experienced technicians in specialized practices. This reflects the varied settings that veterinary technologists and technicians can find themselves in—from general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals to university teaching hospitals and zoo medical units. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), based on 2025 numbers projected to 2026, reinforces the growth in this essential field as demand for veterinary services continues to rise.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.07 | $160.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.88 | $167.03 |
| Median (P50) | $24.10 | $192.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.07 | $208.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.19 | $329.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $24.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $50,120 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,915. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.85 | $4,177 | $50,120 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.31 | $2,506 | $30,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.54 | $1,671 | $20,048 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bozeman) | $24.10 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $50,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% above the Montana state average of $48,093.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.10/hr = $30,072/year (purchasing power: $29,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,120/year (purchasing power: $48,893).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bozeman grew 34.1% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.42/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Analyzing potential earnings, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week could expect to take home about $39,240 annually, significantly less than what a full-time worker might earn. For those considering the per diem route, rates can range considerably. Agency or locum workers often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS)-credentialed professionals commanding between $35 and $55 per hour. This demand is heightened in understaffed hospitals needing weekend or overnight emergency coverage, where rates may reach $30 to $50 per hour. Employers vary widely—general practice clinics might offer benefits like health insurance at lower hourly rates, while corporate chain establishments and specialty hospitals could provide higher pay without such perks. Negotiation can be strategic; understanding what each employer type offers in terms of benefits versus pay is key in Bozeman's competitive job market for veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bozeman in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bozeman?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bozeman paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bozeman?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bozeman?
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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 Bozeman. 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, 2-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