Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kalispell, MT: $45,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kalispell, MT earns a median $45,916/year (≈ $22.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $47,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Kalispell, MT, can expect a median annual salary of $45,916. This compensation reflects a partial alignment with the national median of $49,986, indicating that local pay is approximately 8.14% lower than the nationwide average. Salary ranges for this profession vary significantly between $36,075 at the 10th percentile and $55,755 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diverse opportunities available within the field. Estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted with local cost-of-living factors, which inform industry stakeholders about where compensation stands against rising expenses in the region. With a concentration of four professionals currently employed in this area, the job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kalispell presents opportunities for those who align their expertise with local demand.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,075 | $17.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,145 | $18.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,916 | $22.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,250 | $25.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,755 | $26.81 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,680 (2026 est.). At $45,916, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be above the median
How Kalispell Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $45,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $48,079 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.14% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $45,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $48,079.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell 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.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,916 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,730 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,444
2025 BLS Actual
$43,522
2026 Current Est.
$45,916
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,849 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,178 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,906 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,441 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,444 (2019) to $43,522 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,441 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,997 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $36,075 – $38,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,145 – $45,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,916 – $53,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,250 – $55,755 |
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 Kalispell
While the job market for veterinary technologists and technicians includes a small number of professionals, the local cost of living index stands at 96.2, suggesting that the economic pressures are slightly less than the national average. This context implies that salary may stretch further in Kalispell compared to areas where costs are higher. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals, particularly VCA and BluePearl, typically offer more competitive salaries compared to general practice clinics. The differences in pay can largely be attributed to factors such as specialty training through the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentialing that commands higher rates in emergency or specialty settings. To maximize their earning potential, candidates in Kalispell should consider further education and training, seek positions in specialized facilities, and aim for roles with mentorship responsibilities that often come with elevated pay scales. This strategic approach not only enhances individual earning capacity but also addresses the broader challenges facing the veterinary workforce in the region.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kalispell, MT in 2026?
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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 $43,522 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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