Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Caldwell, ID: $41,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Caldwell, ID earns a median $41,043/year (≈ $19.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Caldwell's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $43,067 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Caldwell, Idaho is estimated to be $41,043 annually. This figure, while supportive of a stable career path, reflects a significant difference compared to the national median of $49,986 for the same profession, highlighting a regional pay gap. Local salaries range from $29,428 at the 10th percentile to $53,203 at the 90th percentile, indicating various opportunities for advancement based on experience, credentials, and workplace setting. The specialty credentialing pathway, such as earning a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can further enhance earning potential, making it a worthwhile pursuit for dedicated professionals in Caldwell’s veterinary market.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,428 | $14.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,732 | $16.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,043 | $19.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,204 | $23.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,203 | $25.57 |
Median Salary Position
17.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caldwell
In Caldwell, ID, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,775 (2026 est.). At $41,043, the local median is 17.89% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Caldwell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Caldwell Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Caldwell median: $41,043/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Caldwell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $40,717 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -17.89% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Caldwell, ID earn a median of $41,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the Idaho state average of $40,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Caldwell has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Caldwell, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,043 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,067 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,001
2025 BLS Actual
$38,903
2026 Current Est.
$41,043
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,773 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,300 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Caldwell metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,001 (2019) to $38,903 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,300 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,299 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,428 – $34,732 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,732 – $41,043 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,043 – $49,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,204 – $53,203 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Caldwell
Currently, Caldwell employs eight veterinary technologists and technicians, underscoring a competitive yet limited job market. With a cost-of-living index of 95.3, the area provides a favorable environment for taking home a decent salary while maintaining purchasing power. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals, specialty clinics, and university teaching hospitals typically offer higher wages compared to general practice settings. The notable pay disparity can be attributed to factors like VTS credentials, which command premium salaries, shift differentials at emergency facilities, and mentoring or lead roles. To optimize earnings in Caldwell, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing VTS certification, seeking positions in specialized or corporate environments, and actively negotiating pay where possible.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,903 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Caldwell metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caldwell 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