Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Missoula, MT: $45,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Missoula, MT earns a median $45,903/year (≈ $22.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.4), that paycheck buys what $47,595 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $45,903 in 2026, which is approximately 8.17% lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for positions in this field is expected to span from $39,119 at the lower end to $61,264 at the upper end. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicate not only the potential earning power in this city but also the growth opportunities as the demand for skilled veterinary professionals continues to rise. Especially important in this market is the pathway to achieving the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, as obtaining this designation can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential.
The local job market currently employs around 40 veterinary technologists and technicians in Missoula, presenting a solid foundation for job stability although it still faces challenges due to the nationwide veterinary technician workforce shortage. With a cost-of-living index of 96.445, professionals may find that their earnings allow for a reasonable standard of living in the area. Among employers, specialty referral hospitals and university teaching hospitals tend to offer the highest pay, benefiting from differing pay scales compared to general practice clinics or corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl. Factors contributing to the variation in salaries include the presence of VTS specialty credentials, differences in pay scales between corporate and independent practices, and the demand for roles in emergency care. For those looking to maximize their pay in Missoula, pursuing specialty certification and considering employment at specialty or emergency hospitals can be effective strategies worth exploring.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,119 | $18.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,457 | $18.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,903 | $22.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,946 | $24.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,264 | $29.46 |
Median Salary Position
8.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,145 (2026 est.). At $45,903, the local median is 8.17% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Missoula median: $45,903/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $48,066 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.17% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Missoula, MT earn a median of $45,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $48,066.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.56% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.445 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,903 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,595 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,090
2025 BLS Actual
$43,510
2026 Current Est.
$45,903
2019–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,428 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 24.0% from $35,090 (2019) to $43,510 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,428 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,338 (38.01%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $39,119 – $39,457 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,457 – $45,903 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,903 – $50,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,946 – $61,264 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Missoula, MT in 2026?
Is Missoula, MT a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Missoula?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Missoula?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Missoula?
Related Pages
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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 $43,510 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Missoula 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, 7-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