Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Meridian, ID: $40,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Meridian, ID earns a median $40,875/year (≈ $19.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $42,891 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Meridian, Idaho, can expect a median annual salary of $40,875, which reflects local market dynamics and cost of living adjustments. Salary ranges from $31,514 at the 10th percentile to $56,086 at the 90th percentile suggest varied opportunities depending on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, highlight that professionals with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency care or anesthesia may command significantly higher wages, reinforcing the potential for specialized skill recognition in a competitive field. As demand for veterinary services continues to rise, the economic landscape for these roles in Meridian offers an engaging snapshot of current earning potential in Idaho.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,514 | $15.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,958 | $16.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,875 | $19.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,225 | $23.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,086 | $26.97 |
Median Salary Position
18.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,572 (2026 est.). At $40,875, the local median is 18.23% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Meridian median: $40,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $40,712 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -18.23% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Meridian, ID earn a median of $40,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $40,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian 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.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,875 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,891 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,882
2025 BLS Actual
$38,744
2026 Current Est.
$40,875
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,882 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,651 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,133 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,123 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,882 (2019) to $38,744 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,123 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,241 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $31,514 – $33,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,958 – $40,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,875 – $49,225 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,225 – $56,086 |
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 Meridian
With approximately 30 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area, the job market in Meridian shows a steady demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index of 95.3 suggests that salary offerings here, while lower than the national average, can stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer competitive pay scales, often different from those at general practice roles. Specialty referral hospitals in areas such as internal medicine or emergency care tend to provide higher compensation due to the demand for advanced skills. The difference in salary can be attributed to certifications, tenure, and job responsibilities, particularly for those in leadership or mentorship positions. To maximize earning potential, pursuing VTS credentials and targeting employment with specialty hospitals or corporate chains can be effective strategies in this market.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $38,744 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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