Vet Tech salary

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

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

Spokane, WA
$60,241
$28.96/hr
Tukwila, WA
$57,886
$27.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpokane, WATukwila, WA
Median Salary$60,241$57,886
Hourly Rate$28.96$27.83
Entry Level (P10)$39,436$47,457
25th Percentile$50,039$48,407
75th Percentile$63,363$68,311
Top Earner (P90)$65,695$72,197
Total Employed1704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Spokane ($60,241) and Tukwila ($57,886) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.SpokaneTukwilaMedian Salary$60,241$57,886Entry Level (P10)$39,436$47,457Top Earner (P90)$65,695$72,197US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Spokane and Tukwila is $2,355 (4.07%). 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 Spokane spans $26,259,Tukwila spans $24,740. Spokane has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Spokane
P10 (Entry)$39,436
P25$50,039
Median$60,241
P75$63,363
P90 (Top)$65,695
Tukwila
P10 (Entry)$47,457
P25$48,407
Median$57,886
P75$68,311
P90 (Top)$72,197

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($60,033 effective) pays 11.38% more than Tukwila ($53,898 effective).

Spokane
Nominal: $60,241
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $60,033
Tukwila
Nominal: $57,886
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $53,898

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Tukwila if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($72,197)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Spokane grew 64.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Tukwila over the same period.

Spokane, WA

+64.5%

$34,720 (2019) → $57,100 (2025)

Tukwila, WA

+10.5%

$49,636 (2024) → $54,868 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spokane has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $60,241/year, compared to Tukwila at $57,886/year — a difference of $2,355 (4.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Tukwila?

Spokane veterinary technologist and technicians earn $28.96/hr while Tukwila hygienists earn $27.83/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Spokane and Tukwila. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Spokane = $60,033, Tukwila = $53,898), job availability (170 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,436 in Spokane and $47,457 in Tukwila. The Tukwila 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