Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pocatello, ID: $39,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pocatello, ID earns a median $39,014/year (≈ $18.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $43,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Idaho state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Pocatello, ID, is projected to be $39,014 annually, which is distinctly lower than the national median of $49,986. This reflects a significant disparity, with local salaries ranging from $28,939 at the 10th percentile to $49,005 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicate that while entry-level positions may start around $28,939, there are opportunities for higher earnings, particularly in specialized roles within veterinary practices. The salary structure can vary significantly depending on whether one works in a general practice or a specialty hospital, where there is often a gradient in pay corresponding to the complexity of care provided.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,939 | $13.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,859 | $17.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,014 | $18.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,707 | $22.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,005 | $23.56 |
Median Salary Position
21.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,066 (2026 est.). At $39,014, the local median is 21.95% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be above the median
How Pocatello Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $39,014/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $40,724 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -21.95% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $39,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Idaho state average of $40,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 11.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 88.906 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,014 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,882 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,680
2025 BLS Actual
$36,980
2026 Current Est.
$39,014
2019–2027 Growth
+54.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 38.6% from $26,680 (2019) to $36,980 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,480 (54.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $28,939 – $35,859 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,859 – $39,014 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,014 – $47,707 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,707 – $49,005 |
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 Pocatello
With only 30 veterinary technologists and technicians employed locally, Pocatello's job market presents both potential and challenges. The cost-of-living index, at 88.906, suggests that residents enjoy a lower cost relative to the national average, which may enhance overall purchasing power despite lower salaries. Among the employers in the vicinity, specialty referral hospitals typically offer higher compensation than general practice clinics and corporate chains. Factors that contribute to the salary range include the desire for Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, which yield top-tier salaries, and demand for positions in emergency and critical care. To optimize pay, pursuing specialization or additional certifications can be beneficial, while those willing to work in night shifts or take on lead roles may also see increased compensation.
More salary data for Pocatello, 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 $36,980 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pocatello 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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