Veterinary Technician in Billings, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

If you're a vet tech looking at Billings, the first thing to know is that while your paycheck might look smaller here compared to coastal cities, it goes a lot further. The median salary for Veterinary Technicians in Billings is $41,406/year, which breaks down to $19.91/hour. That’s just a hair below the national average of $42,740/year, but that national figure is heavily skewed by high-cost metro areas like San Francisco or Boston. In Billings, this salary is solid and livable.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with clinic managers in the Billings area.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$36,000 - $40,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$41,000 - $46,000
Senior	8-15 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Expert / Lead	15+ years	$50,000 - $60,000+

Insider Tip: In Billings, the pay scale doesn't fluctuate as dramatically between a small practice and a large specialty hospital as it might in a major metropolis. A mid-career tech at a busy general practice on the West End (like VCA Valley View Animal Hospital) will likely earn a similar base rate to one at the larger Yellowstone Animal Health Services in the downtown core. The real differentiators for salary here are shift differentials for overnight/emergency work and specialized certifications (like VTS in Anesthesia or Dentistry).

Compared to other Montana cities, Billings is right in the middle of the pack. It’s generally higher than Great Falls or Missoula due to the larger population and concentration of medical facilities, but it can’t compete with the slightly higher wages in Bozeman, which is influenced by the tech influx and nearby Yellowstone National Park tourism, driving up the cost of living and, consequently, wage expectations.

Jobs in Metro: 241 – This is a crucial number. With a metro population of just 120,874, 241 jobs is a healthy number. It means there is consistent demand, but the market isn't so saturated that you can jump jobs easily every six months. Networking is key.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, a single person earning the median salary of $41,406 will take home approximately $33,000 - $34,000 per year, or about $2,750 - $2,833 per month.

Now, let's layer in rent. The average 1BR rent in Billings is $874/month. This is a city-wide average. In desirable neighborhoods, it can be higher, while in quieter, older areas, you might find something closer to $750.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single vet tech earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income (Take-Home)	$2,800	After all taxes
Rent (1BR)	$874	City average
Utilities	$150	Includes gas, electric, internet. Lower in winter if you have natural gas heating.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Billings is a driving city; public transport is limited.
Gas	$120	Average monthly fuel cost for a 30-mile daily commute.
Groceries	$300
Health Insurance	$150	If not fully covered by employer.
Student Loans	$200	Varies widely.
Misc./Savings	$606	This is your buffer for fun, savings, or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it’s a stretch on a single income. The median home price in Billings hovers around $320,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000), a mortgage would be manageable. However, saving that $64k on a $41k salary takes serious discipline and time. A more common path for vet techs in Billings is dual-income households. The low Cost of Living Index of 89.6 (US avg = 100) makes homeownership a realistic long-term goal, unlike in places like Denver or Seattle where it's nearly impossible for many professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The job market for vet techs in Billings is stable, anchored by a mix of large corporate practices, established local hospitals, and emergency/specialty centers. Here are the key players:

1. VCA Valley View Animal Hospital: Located on the bustling West End, this is a classic example of a well-established, high-volume general practice. They often hire for both day and swing shifts. They are part of a national network (VCA), which can offer benefits and career mobility, but the culture is very much local.
2. Yellowstone Animal Health Services (YAH): Situated in the heart of downtown, YAH is a large, multi-doctor practice. They have a strong reputation and are a major training ground for new techs. They often look for techs with a good mix of clinical skills and customer service.
3. Billings Animal Hospital: This is a well-regarded local practice. They tend to have a loyal client base and a stable team. Hiring here is less frequent, so when a position opens, it's competitive.
4. Emergency Animal Clinic of Billings: For those who thrive on adrenaline and shift work, this is the go-to. Open nights, weekends, and holidays. Pay is typically higher due to shift differentials. They often require prior ER or critical care experience.
5. Montana Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Service (MVSES): A newer, state-of-the-art facility offering specialties like surgery, internal medicine, and 24/7 emergency care. They are growing and represent the top tier of specialty care in the region. Hiring techs here often requires advanced training or a willingness to specialize.
6. Billings Veterinary Clinic (West End): Another solid local practice, known for its community feel. A good option for techs who prefer a more intimate clinic environment over a large hospital.
7. Local Shelters & Rescues (e.g., Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter): While often lower-paying, these roles are vital and can be a great entry point or a way to build experience. They look for compassionate techs willing to work in a high-volume, often challenging environment.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand, but not a frenzy. Most clinics are looking for techs who are certified (CVT) and have solid, hands-on experience. New graduates from the Penn Foster Vet Tech program (popular in Montana) often start here. The 10-year job growth for the profession is 20%, which is excellent news for job security in the region.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process. You cannot work as a credentialed vet tech without it.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: You must graduate from a program accredited by the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). This can be a 2-year associate degree program (like those at community colleges—though none are in Billings, you can attend online programs that are accredited) or a 4-year bachelor's program.
2. Examination: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). You must apply to the Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine to take the exam.
3. State Application: Submit a complete application to the Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine, including transcripts, VTNE score, and the application fee.

Costs & Timeline:

• VTNE Exam Fee: ~$300 (paid directly to the exam administrator, AAVSB).
• Montana License Application Fee: $100 (check the current fee schedule on the Board's website, as it can change).
• Total Upfront Cost (excluding education): ~$400. This does not include the cost of the educational program itself.
• Timeline: From application to receiving your license in hand, expect 4-8 weeks after the Board receives a complete application and your VTNE score is verified. It's crucial to start this process several months before you plan to move or apply for jobs.

Insider Tip: Keep a digital and physical copy of your VTNE score and license. You'll need to renew your license every two years, which requires continuing education (CE) credits. Most local clinics in Billings will help cover the cost of CE as part of your benefits package.

Best Neighborhoods for Veterinary Technicians

Where you live in Billings will impact your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 key areas:

1. The West End (Rimrock, Poly Drive Area): This is the commercial and retail hub of Billings. You'll find VCA Valley View, Billings Veterinary Clinic, and many other practices here. The commute to work is minimal (often 5-10 minutes). It's walkable in parts, with lots of shopping and dining. Rent for a 1BR here is closer to the city average, $850-$950.
2. Downtown / Historic District: The heart of the city. Home to Yellowstone Animal Health Services and MVSES. Offers a more urban vibe with historic homes, breweries, restaurants, and art galleries. Commute is a breeze if you work downtown. Rent can be a bit higher, $900-$1,100, but you can save on gas.
3. The Heights: A quieter, residential area east of downtown. Mostly single-family homes and apartments. It's a longer commute to the West End or Downtown (15-20 minutes), but you get more space and a quieter neighborhood feel. Rent is often more affordable, $750-$850 for a 1BR.
4. South Side: A diverse, established neighborhood with a mix of older homes and apartments. It's close to downtown and has its own charm. Commute is reasonable (10-15 minutes to most clinics). Rent is generally lower, $700-$850. This area is great for those who want a central location without the downtown price tag.
5. Northwest (Laurel area): If you're willing to commute, the town of Laurel (just northwest of Billings) offers even lower rent and a small-town feel. A commute to Billings proper is about 15-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR can be as low as $650-$750.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Billings is not bad by national standards. The "rush hour" is minimal. The main concern is winter driving on icy roads. A front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle is a practical investment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth for a vet tech is more about specialization and responsibility than necessarily jumping to a new clinic every two years. The community is tight-knit.

Specialty Premiums:

• Emergency & Critical Care (ECC): Techs with ECC experience or who work the overnight shift at the Emergency Clinic can earn a 10-15% premium over the base median.
• Anesthesia & Surgery: Techs who are proficient in surgical prep, monitoring, and dental prophylaxis are highly valued. This is a common path to senior roles.
• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS): While not as common as in major cities, pursuing a VTS in a specific area (like Dentistry or Internal Medicine) will place you in the top tier of earning potential, potentially pushing you toward $60,000+.

Advancement Paths:

• Lead Technician: Moving from a staff tech to a lead tech involves more shift management, training new hires, and inventory control. This comes with a pay bump.
• Practice Management: Many vet techs in Billings transition into practice managers. This path focuses on business, HR, and client service rather than clinical work. Salary can be significantly higher.
• Industry Roles: Some techs move into roles with pharmaceutical or pet food companies, often working as territory managers. These jobs are less common in Billings but do exist for those willing to travel.

10-Year Outlook: With a 20% national job growth rate and Billings' stable pet-owning population, the demand for skilled vet techs will remain strong. The key to long-term growth here is to develop a niche—whether it's exotic animal care (some clinics in Billings see birds and reptiles), advanced dentistry, or client education. The techs who stay curious and pursue additional certifications are the ones who see the biggest jumps in responsibility and pay.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (89.6 index). Your salary stretches further.	Can feel isolated. It's a 4-hour drive to the nearest major city (Bozeman).
Stable, growing job market (241 jobs).	Harsh winters. Snow and ice from October to April.
Median Salary ($41,406) is livable. You can afford a 1BR apartment and save.	Limited specialty care options. You may need to travel for advanced referrals.
Short, easy commutes. No gridlock traffic.	Cultural scene is smaller. Fewer museums, concerts, and diverse restaurants than a big city.
Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. You'll know your clients and colleagues.	Vehicle dependency. You'll need a reliable car.
Gateway to outdoor recreation. Hiking, fishing, and hunting are minutes away.	Higher competition for the best jobs. You need to network.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is an excellent choice for veterinary technicians who value work-life balance, affordable living, and a strong sense of community over the hustle and anonymity of a major metropolis. It's ideal for:

• New grads looking to build solid foundational experience in a supportive environment.
• Mid-career techs seeking a change of pace and a place where their salary provides real financial comfort.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who want access to nature without a long commute from the city.

It may be a challenging fit for techs who crave the constant stimulation of a large city, require very specialized medical care on-demand, or are unwilling to adapt to a driving-centric lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician) license to get hired in Billings?
A: Yes, absolutely. Most reputable clinics in Billings will not hire a non-credentialed assistant for a technician role. You must be a CVT to perform advanced medical tasks and be considered a true technician. It's a legal and professional requirement in Montana.

Q: How is the cost of living really? I hear Montana is expensive now.
A: That's more true for Bozeman and Big Sky. Billings remains an affordable outlier. The Cost of Living Index of 89.6 means it's about 10% cheaper than the national average. While housing prices have risen, they are still very reasonable compared to the national median. Your paycheck will go significantly further here than in the majority of the country.

Q: What's the pet population like in Billings? Is it a good place to practice?
A: Billings is a very pet-friendly community. The metro area has a high rate of pet ownership. This means a steady stream of clients and a stable patient load for clinics. Practices are busy but generally not overwhelmed to the point of burnout, as the market is well-balanced.

Q: Are there opportunities for techs who don't have a traditional associate degree?
A: It's much harder. The AVMA-accredited program is the standard. However, some clinics may hire experienced assistants and provide on-the-job training while you work toward your VTNE and license, but this is rare and the starting pay would be lower. Your best path is to complete an accredited program (online is a viable option) and get licensed.

Q: What's the job market like for someone moving from out of state?
A: It's accessible. The 241 jobs in the metro indicate demand. Start your job search 2-3 months before you plan to move. Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with specific software (e.g., Avimark, Cornerstone) and be prepared to interview via video. Once you have an offer, you can finalize your Montana license transfer. Being a CVT from another state makes the process smoother.