Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Great Falls, MT: $23.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Great Falls, MT runs $23.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Great Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Great Falls, MT earn a median hourly rate of $23.05, slightly below the national average of $24.03. This compensation reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, such as general veterinary practices, specialized hospitals, and educational institutions. For part-time workers clocking in around three days a week, this hourly wage translates to flexible earning potential, enhancing work-life balance while still providing a reasonable income. Entry-level technicians may start at about $16.72 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale can command rates up to $31.70. These hourly rates stem from annual salary estimates, but they paint a realistic picture of financial prospects for those considering a career in veterinary technology in Great Falls.
About the Great Falls 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) | $16.72 | $133.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.34 | $146.69 |
| Median (P50) | $23.05 | $184.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.73 | $229.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.70 | $253.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Great Falls
Based on $23.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.05/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Great Falls, MT can expect to earn approximately $47,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,662. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Great Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Great Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $922.07 | $3,996 | $47,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $553.24 | $2,397 | $28,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.83 | $1,598 | $19,179 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Great Falls) | $23.05 |
| 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 Great Falls, MT earn a median of $47,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the Montana state average of $48,102.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.05/hr = $28,769/year (purchasing power: $29,905).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,948/year (purchasing power: $49,842).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Great Falls grew 34.1% from $16.29/hr (2019) to $21.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.32/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 Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can vary significantly compared to full-time positions. For instance, a part-timer working 24 hours a week would realistically earn approximately $29,657 annually, while full-time roles offer nearly double that amount. Additionally, per-diem or agency workers frequently see higher hourly pay, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 for standard shifts and even $35 to $55 for those holding VTS specialty credentials. Employers can influence pay scales; general practices may offer lower rates while specialty hospitals and research facilities often provide more competitive compensation. Moreover, many professionals are faced with the decision of accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Knowing local compensation structures is crucial for negotiation, as understanding the pay differences among employers in Great Falls could lead to better overall compensation tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Great Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Great Falls?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Great Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Great Falls?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Great Falls?
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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 Great Falls. 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 Great Falls 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