Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Great Falls, MT: $47,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Great Falls, MT earns a median $47,958/year (≈ $23.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Great Falls's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $49,852 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Great Falls is projected to reach a median of $47,958, slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $34,774 and top earners potentially making as much as $65,942. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the financial potential in this field, especially when considering the distinction between employment at specialty hospitals versus general practices. Those working in specialty referral hospitals often command higher pay due to the increased skillset required, reinforcing the competitive job market for veterinary professionals in Great Falls, MT.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,774 | $16.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,145 | $18.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,958 | $23.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,760 | $28.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,942 | $31.70 |
Median Salary Position
4.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
In Great Falls, MT, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,168 (2026 est.). At $47,958, the local median is 4.06% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Great Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Great Falls Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Great Falls median: $47,958/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Great Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $48,102 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.06% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Great Falls, MT earn a median of $47,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the Montana state average of $48,102.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Great Falls has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Great Falls, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,958 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,852 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,887
2025 BLS Actual
$45,458
2026 Current Est.
$47,958
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,966 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,596 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Great Falls metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,887 (2019) to $45,458 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,596 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,709 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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) | $34,774 – $38,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,145 – $47,958 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,958 – $59,760 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,760 – $65,942 |
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 Great Falls
Currently, there are about 12 employed veterinary technologists and technicians in Great Falls, contributing to a workforce grappling with a significant shortage. The cost of living index in the city stands at 96.2, offering a slightly lower-than-average cost structure, which may enhance the purchasing power of local salaries. Opportunities for higher compensation are often found in corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, as well as specialty facilities focusing on areas like emergency care and oncology. The notable pay disparity in this market can largely be attributed to advanced credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, which can lead to salaries at the upper end of the range. To maximize earning potential in this competitive landscape, aspiring technologists should consider seeking advanced certifications, gaining experience in specialized settings, and taking advantage of available shift differentials in facilities that operate around the clock.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $45,458 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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