Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Butte, MT: $22.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Butte, MT runs $22.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Butte's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Butte, Montana, earn a median hourly rate of $22.47, which is slightly lower than the national average of $24.03. This rate can significantly impact part-time workers, such as those seeking flexibility by working three days a week. For part-time staff, the resulting income not only reflects direct wage benefits but also potential per-diem opportunities, which in typical veterinary settings, such as general practices or specialty hospitals, can be crucial for budget management. Entry-level technicians may begin at the lower end of this scale, around $16.68 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $29.73 per hour, illustrating a range that accommodates varying experience levels and responsibilities within roles at clinics, research facilities, or even zoos.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.68 | $133.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Median (P50) | $22.47 | $179.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.43 | $219.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.73 | $237.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Butte
Based on $22.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.47/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Butte, MT can expect to earn approximately $46,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,966. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Butte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Butte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.86 | $3,895 | $46,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.32 | $2,337 | $28,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.54 | $1,558 | $18,696 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Butte) | $22.47 |
| 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 Butte, MT earn a median of $46,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $48,078.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.47/hr = $28,044/year (purchasing power: $29,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,741/year (purchasing power: $48,587).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Butte grew 34.1% from $15.88/hr (2019) to $21.30/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.71/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 Butte 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 Butte
Examining the earning potential in Butte reveals the reality for part-time veterinary technologists: working 24 hours a week might yield an annual income that feels less stable compared to full-time positions but offers flexibility. Meanwhile, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians often find themselves billing at rates between $25 and $40 per hour, particularly in shortage markets. VTS-certified specialists, known for their advanced credentials, can command rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Given the diverse employer types in Butte, from corporate chain hospitals to specialty referrals, pay can vary widely. For many veterinarians, a trade-off exists between higher hourly pay and the benefits package that comes with full-time positions. Those negotiating can emphasize their skills and certifications, especially if they align with the needs of hospitals facing staff shortages, ensuring they maximize their earning potential while securing the stability they seek in this growing field.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Butte in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Butte?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Butte paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Butte?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Butte?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Butte. 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 Butte 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