Vet Tech salary

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

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

Richland, WA
$65,772
$31.62/hr
Spokane, WA
$60,241
$28.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRichland, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$65,772$60,241
Hourly Rate$31.62$28.96
Entry Level (P10)$49,374$39,436
25th Percentile$53,374$50,039
75th Percentile$79,172$63,363
Top Earner (P90)$85,458$65,695
Total Employed15170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Richland ($65,772) and Spokane ($60,241) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.RichlandSpokaneMedian Salary$65,772$60,241Entry Level (P10)$49,374$39,436Top Earner (P90)$85,458$65,695US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Richland and Spokane is $5,531 (9.18%). Richland's median is +31.58% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richland spans $36,084,Spokane spans $26,259. Richland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Richland
P10 (Entry)$49,374
P25$53,374
Median$65,772
P75$79,172
P90 (Top)$85,458
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, Richland ($61,240 effective) pays 2.01% more than Spokane ($60,033 effective).

Richland
Nominal: $65,772
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $61,240
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 Richland if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,772/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,458)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,240)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Richland grew 14.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 64.5% growth in Spokane over the same period.

Richland, WA

+14.9%

$54,271 (2024) → $62,343 (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: Richland or Spokane?

Richland has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $65,772/year, compared to Spokane at $60,241/year — a difference of $5,531 (9.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Richland and Spokane?

Richland veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31.62/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $28.96/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Richland and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Richland = $61,240, Spokane = $60,033), job availability (15 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $49,374 in Richland and $39,436 in Spokane. The Richland 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