Bellingham vs Tacoma: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Bellingham, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,625 | $63,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.11 | $30.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,300▲ | $46,581 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,081 | $51,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,984 | $80,715▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,197 | $90,758▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Tacoma is $926 (1.48%). Tacoma's median is +27.14% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $28,897,Tacoma spans $44,177. Tacoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellingham ($60,604 effective) pays 2.42% more than Tacoma ($59,172 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,604)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,758)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Bellingham grew 34.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$44,140 (2019) → $59,360 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$54,388 (2024) → $60,238 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Bellingham or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Tacoma as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Bellingham vs Tacoma?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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