Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $22.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Missoula, MT runs $22.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,903 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,544 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is $22.07, which falls below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the pay landscape for both full-time and part-time positions within various settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/ECC wards, university teaching hospital clinics, and even zoo or aquarium medical units. For part-time employees working three days per week, which typically amounts to around 24 hours, the hourly rate translates to a competitive wage that supports flexible schedules. The hourly pay for entry-level technicians starts at $18.81, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $29.46, showcasing the potential for growth within this field in Missoula, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.81 | $150.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.97 | $151.75 |
| Median (P50) | $22.07 | $176.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.50 | $195.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.46 | $235.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
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 Missoula, 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 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| 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 (Missoula) | $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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $45,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $48,066.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.07/hr = $27,544/year (purchasing power: $28,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,907/year (purchasing power: $47,599).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.81/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 Missoula grew 24.0% from $16.87/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
Assessing the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Missoula reveals notable disparities between part-time, per-diem, and full-time roles. A technician working part-time for 24 hours a week might expect to take home approximately $27,000 annually, a figure significantly lower than full-time counterparts, who could earn upwards of $45,903. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Missoula varies widely, with professionals in agency work billed at $25 to $40 per hour, and those with VTS credentials in specialized fields earning $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed emergency facilities can command rates from $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the urgent need for skilled technicians. Additionally, the type of employer plays a substantial role in hourly wages; corporate chains may offer lower rates with benefits, while independent clinics or specialty hospitals could provide higher pay but fewer advantages. As such, it’s important for veterinary technologists and technicians to consider their priorities during salary negotiations, balancing pay against benefits like health insurance and other perks in Missoula’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Missoula in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Missoula?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Missoula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Missoula?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Missoula?
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 Missoula. 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, 7-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