Vet Tech salary

Longview vs Seattle: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Longview, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Longview, WA
$61,074
$29.36/hr
Seattle, WA
$64,629
$31.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLongview, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$61,074$64,629
Hourly Rate$29.36$31.07
Entry Level (P10)$45,452$52,075
25th Percentile$49,172$60,589
75th Percentile$74,809$73,745
Top Earner (P90)$81,220$82,353
Total Employed61,170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Longview ($61,074) and Seattle ($64,629) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LongviewSeattleMedian Salary$61,074$64,629Entry Level (P10)$45,452$52,075Top Earner (P90)$81,220$82,353US Median $49,986

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Longview.

The salary gap between Longview and Seattle is $3,555 (5.82%). Seattle's median is +29.29% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Longview spans $35,768,Seattle spans $30,278. Longview has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Longview
P10 (Entry)$45,452
P25$49,172
Median$61,074
P75$74,809
P90 (Top)$81,220
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$52,075
P25$60,589
Median$64,629
P75$73,745
P90 (Top)$82,353

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($58,155 effective) pays 2.27% more than Longview ($56,866 effective).

Longview
Nominal: $61,074
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $56,866
Seattle
Nominal: $64,629
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $58,155

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Longview if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,629/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,353)
  • Larger job market (1,170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,155)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Longview grew 10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.8% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Longview, WA

+10.5%

$52,370 (2024) → $57,890 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+55.8%

$39,320 (2019) → $61,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Longview or Seattle?

Seattle has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $64,629/year, compared to Longview at $61,074/year — a difference of $3,555 (5.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Longview and Seattle?

Longview veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29.36/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $31.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Longview to Seattle as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Longview and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Longview = $56,866, Seattle = $58,155), job availability (6 vs 1,170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Longview vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $45,452 in Longview and $52,075 in Seattle. The Seattle area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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