Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $22.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kalispell, MT runs $22.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,544 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, veterinary technologists and technicians receive a median hourly pay of $22.07, which falls below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate creates an interesting scenario for part-time workers, who may typically work around three days a week in settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, or even research facilities. Those in entry-level positions might earn as low as $17.34 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $26.81 per hour. These estimates derive from annual salary figures, emphasizing the potential for competitive hourly pay even within the small job market of Kalispell, which is currently home to four veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Kalispell 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) | $17.34 | $138.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.34 | $146.69 |
| Median (P50) | $22.07 | $176.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.60 | $204.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.81 | $214.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $22.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.07/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $45,907 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,485. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.82 | $3,826 | $45,907 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.69 | $2,295 | $27,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.13 | $1,530 | $18,363 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kalispell) | $22.07 |
| 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 Kalispell, MT earn a median of $45,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $48,079.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.07/hr = $27,544/year (purchasing power: $28,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,907/year (purchasing power: $47,720).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kalispell grew 34.1% from $15.60/hr (2019) to $20.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.28/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 Kalispell 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 Kalispell
For those considering part-time employment, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could expect to earn significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart, potentially impacting their overall financial stability. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians can find lucrative opportunities, often billing between $25 and $40 per hour, particularly in critical care roles during weekends or overnight shifts where coverage is in high demand. The hourly rates can vary significantly based on employment settings, with general practice clinics typically offering less than specialty referral hospitals and research labs. While some may choose positions that offer lower pay for the benefit of health insurance, others might pursue higher hourly wages without benefits for greater flexibility. Negotiating pay in Kalispell requires understanding not only the competitive landscape but also the various employer types, including corporate chains and independent practices, allowing techs to maximize their earning potential within their chosen work environment.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kalispell in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kalispell?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kalispell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kalispell?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kalispell?
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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 Kalispell. 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 Kalispell 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