Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $31.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bellevue, WA runs $31.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,262 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,157 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is robust, with a median rate of $31.38, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate enhances the allure for many individuals considering part-time or per-diem work in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching facilities, and research laboratories. For those working part-time at three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a solid income, as entry-level professionals can start around $22.42, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $44.16. This hourly range highlights the potential for significant earnings variance, attracting a diverse workforce keen on leveraging Bellevue's promising job market.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.42 | $179.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.80 | $198.42 |
| Median (P50) | $31.38 | $251.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.37 | $306.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.16 | $353.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $31.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $65,261 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,651. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,255.03 | $5,438 | $65,261 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $753.02 | $3,263 | $39,157 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.01 | $2,175 | $26,105 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bellevue) | $31.38 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $65,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.56% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% above the Washington state average of $62,632.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.38/hr = $39,157/year (purchasing power: $36,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,261/year (purchasing power: $60,765).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellevue grew 34.1% from $22.17/hr (2019) to $29.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Bellevue
Beyond the median figures, the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week can yield approximately $39,405 annually, a fraction of a full-time salary, but still a viable option for many. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Bellevue can fluctuate based on employer types. While general clinics may offer hourly rates starting around $25-30, specialty and emergency roles often bring rates between $30-$50. Those with VTS credentials may command up to $55 per hour due to their advanced specialization. Many professionals face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with robust benefits and higher compensation without such perks. This tension necessitates careful negotiation; skilled workers should emphasize their qualifications and research average rates in Bellevue to advocate effectively for favorable pay. The acute workforce shortage in the vet tech field has also prompted many employers to increase pay, further enriching the compensation landscape in 2026 and beyond.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellevue in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bellevue?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bellevue?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bellevue?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellevue. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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