Veterinary Technician in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Montana employs 480 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $41,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $41,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,420
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $47,990
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $57,660
- Employed in Montana
- 480
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $47,500 (90 employed)
- Missoula
- $43,510 (40 employed)
- Billings
- $37,640 (110 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $41,170 median stretches to roughly $43,520 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +18.2%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
No state credential; VTNE-based national certification — regulated by the No Montana state license — VTNE/NAVTA credential is the standard.
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Montana does not separately license/register vet techs — you work under a licensed veterinarian; confirm current state rules.
Official requirements: No Montana state license — VTNE/NAVTA credential is the standard →
Training in Montana
Even without a state credential, employers value AVMA-accredited training and the VTNE. High demand at clinics and specialty/ER hospitals.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Aaniiih Nakoda College — Associate
- Flathead Valley Community College — Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Associate
- Montana Technological University — 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 Montana?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Montana is $41,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,420, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $57,660. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Montana?
No state credential; VTNE-based national certification, overseen by the No Montana state license — VTNE/NAVTA credential is the standard. Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Montana?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Montana metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $47,500, followed by Missoula ($43,510), Billings ($37,640). 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Aaniiih Nakoda College, Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects veterinary technicians employment to change +18.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the No Montana state license — VTNE/NAVTA credential is the standard (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 Montana wages · Montana 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.