Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lewiston, ID: $39,162 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lewiston, ID earns a median $39,162/year (≈ $18.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lewiston's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $41,093 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning a median annual salary of $39,162, veterinary technologists and technicians in Lewiston, Idaho, experience compensation significantly lower than the national average of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $31,635 at the bottom 10th percentile to $51,016 for those in the top 90th percentile, indicating the potential for substantial pay variation across different practice settings. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reveal how specialty hospitals may offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics in the area. The employment landscape in Lewiston reflects a limited number of positions, with only eight veterinary professionals currently working in this community, suggesting a tighter job market in comparison to larger urban areas for those entering the field or seeking advancement.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,635 | $15.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,248 | $15.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,162 | $18.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,321 | $22.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,016 | $24.53 |
Median Salary Position
21.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston
In Lewiston, ID, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,381 (2026 est.). At $39,162, the local median is 21.65% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lewiston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lewiston Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lewiston median: $39,162/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lewiston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $40,709 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -21.65% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lewiston, ID earn a median of $39,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.65% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Idaho state average of $40,709.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lewiston 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.
Lewiston, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,162 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,093 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,672
2025 BLS Actual
$37,120
2026 Current Est.
$39,162
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,959 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,162 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lewiston metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $27,672 (2019) to $37,120 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,643 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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) | $31,635 – $33,248 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,248 – $39,162 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,162 – $47,321 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,321 – $51,016 |
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 Lewiston
The cost of living in Lewiston is below the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 95.3, meaning veterinary technologists and technicians can benefit from a slightly better purchasing power relative to their salaries. Corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher pay scales, especially for those who hold the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which commands salaries in the upper tier of the spectrum. Factors influencing pay disparities include the specific practice setting, the presence of additional shifts or leadership responsibilities, and the demand for specialized technicians in emergency and critical care. To maximize compensation, technologists and technicians should consider acquiring specialty certifications, pursuing positions in higher-paying corporate environments, and looking for opportunities in specialties that value niche expertise, ensuring they remain competitive in the Lewiston job market.
More salary data for Lewiston, 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 $37,120 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lewiston 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 Lewiston 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