Vet Tech salary

Puyallup vs Spokane: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Puyallup, WA
$59,966
$28.83/hr
Spokane, WA
$60,241
$28.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPuyallup, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$59,966$60,241
Hourly Rate$28.83$28.96
Entry Level (P10)$48,023$39,436
25th Percentile$50,601$50,039
75th Percentile$73,452$63,363
Top Earner (P90)$77,625$65,695
Total Employed10170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Puyallup ($59,966) and Spokane ($60,241) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.PuyallupSpokaneMedian Salary$59,966$60,241Entry Level (P10)$48,023$39,436Top Earner (P90)$77,625$65,695US Median $49,986

Verdict

Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Puyallup.

The salary gap between Puyallup and Spokane is $275 (0.46%). Spokane's median is +20.52% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Puyallup spans $29,602,Spokane spans $26,259. Puyallup has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Puyallup
P10 (Entry)$48,023
P25$50,601
Median$59,966
P75$73,452
P90 (Top)$77,625
Spokane
P10 (Entry)$39,436
P25$50,039
Median$60,241
P75$63,363
P90 (Top)$65,695

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($60,033 effective) pays 7.52% more than Puyallup ($55,834 effective).

Puyallup
Nominal: $59,966
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $55,834
Spokane
Nominal: $60,241
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $60,033

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Puyallup if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($77,625)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,241/year)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,033)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Puyallup grew 10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 64.5% growth in Spokane over the same period.

Puyallup, WA

+10.5%

$51,420 (2024) → $56,840 (2025)

Spokane, WA

+64.5%

$34,720 (2019) → $57,100 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Puyallup or Spokane?

Spokane has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $60,241/year, compared to Puyallup at $59,966/year — a difference of $275 (0.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Puyallup and Spokane?

Puyallup veterinary technologist and technicians earn $28.83/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $28.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Puyallup to Spokane as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Puyallup and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Puyallup = $55,834, Spokane = $60,033), job availability (10 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Puyallup vs Spokane?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $48,023 in Puyallup and $39,436 in Spokane. The Puyallup 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