Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $22.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Helena, MT runs $22.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,049 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Helena, Montana, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $22.13 in 2026, falling below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly wage offers valuable insight into the profession for both part-time and per-diem roles, especially for those working in diverse settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, academic institutions, and animal research facilities. The hourly earnings range significantly, with entry-level technicians starting around $17.64 per hour (P10) and top earners potentially making $28.66 (P90). These estimates are vital for individuals considering flexible schedules in a professional landscape becoming increasingly competitive due to workforce demands.
About the Helena 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) | $17.64 | $141.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.68 | $149.47 |
| Median (P50) | $22.13 | $177.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.12 | $216.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.66 | $229.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $22.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.13/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $46,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,561. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $885.36 | $3,837 | $46,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $531.21 | $2,302 | $27,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.14 | $1,535 | $18,415 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Helena) | $22.13 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $46,049 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $48,067.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.13/hr = $27,623/year (purchasing power: $28,714).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,039/year (purchasing power: $47,857).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Helena grew 34.1% from $15.64/hr (2019) to $20.98/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.35/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 Helena 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 Helena
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week, typically 24 hours total, the annual income would be approximately $27,720, compared to their full-time counterparts earning significantly more. With a range of per-diem or agency roles available, per diem technicians can command rates between $25 and $40 an hour, presenting an attractive option for those prioritizing flexibility over stability. However, specialized Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) may command hourly rates of $35 to $55, particularly in emergency settings where weekend and overnight shifts often pay $30 to $50 per hour due to staff shortages. The variation in hourly rates often stems from the type of employer, with general practice clinics generally offering lower compensation than corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral hospitals. Some veterinary technologists and technicians opt for lower-paying positions with benefits, while others prefer higher hourly wages without the safety net of health insurance. Negotiating effectively can lead to better compensation; discussing market rates and asking for higher pay based on qualifications or experience can help secure favorable terms in Helena's evolving market for veterinary care.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Helena?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Helena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Helena?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
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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 Helena. 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 Helena 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