Veterinary Technician in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Idaho employs 790 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $42,120 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Idaho (May 2025)
- Idaho median pay
- $42,120 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,900
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,810
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $48,660
- Employed in Idaho
- 790
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Idaho markets:
- Coeur d'Alene
- $44,740 (70 employed)
- Boise City
- $44,410 (360 employed)
- Idaho Falls
- $38,600 (70 employed)
- Twin Falls
- $37,730 (30 employed)
- Pocatello
- $36,980 (30 employed)
- Logan
- $35,520 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho
Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $42,120 median stretches to roughly $44,105 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)
Idaho is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +18.8%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Idaho License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) — regulated by the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine.
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Apply to the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine for LVT licensure.
Official requirements: Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine →
Training in Idaho
High demand at clinics and specialty/ER hospitals. The VTNE is the gateway; confirm the Board's current LVT requirements.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:
- Brigham Young University-Idaho — Associate
- Carrington College-Boise — Associate
- College of Eastern Idaho — Associate
- College of Southern Idaho — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.
Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.
Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
First Steps
Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technicians make in Idaho?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Idaho is $42,120 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,900, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $48,660. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Idaho?
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), overseen by the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine. Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Idaho?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Idaho metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Idaho metro areas, Coeur d'Alene leads at $44,740, followed by Boise City ($44,410), Idaho Falls ($38,600). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in Idaho?
Real Idaho options include Brigham Young University-Idaho, Carrington College-Boise, College of Eastern Idaho. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Idaho?
Idaho projects veterinary technicians employment to change +18.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Idaho wages · Idaho licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.