Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Camas, WA: $46,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,470 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,268 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,427) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Camas, WA, can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $46,470. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $59,427, indicating that fresh graduates should anticipate a gradual climb in pay as they gain experience and skills. Over the first three to five years, many can realistically achieve salaries closer to the P25 threshold of $49,503 as they develop their competencies in the field. Given the acute veterinary technician workforce shortage and rising demand for services in the area, Camas is currently a favorable market for new graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Camas, WA typically start between $46,470 and $49,503 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,537 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,427 — 18.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 64.56% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($46,470/year) in Camas. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $46,470 to $49,503, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Camas is $31,537 ( 67.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,470, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,007.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,257
2025 BLS Actual
$44,047
2026 Current Est.
$46,470
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,257 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,478 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,993 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,226 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,025 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,257 in 2019 to $44,047 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,025. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Camas
In Camas, local employers actively seek newly credentialed veterinary technologists and technicians, with general practice clinics often providing the most immediate opportunities. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer structured mentorship programs along with sign-on bonuses, making them attractive for recent grads. While specialty hospitals do hire in this field, they typically require one to two years of general experience before considering applicants. To enhance earning potential, new graduates should prioritize obtaining an Associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE, and acquiring state credentials such as CVT, RVT, or LVT. In light of recent industry trends, a focus on obtaining VTS specialty certification can lead to substantial salary boosts—potentially reaching $30-$45+ per hour. Considering the projected growth in salaries within the first few years of practice, aspiring veterinary technicians in Camas can plan for steady advancements in their new grad veterinary technologist and technician pay in WA.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Camas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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