Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $30.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bellingham, WA runs $30.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,577 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $30.11, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive pay scale provides opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and research facilities. For those working three days a week, the hourly compensation can lead to substantial weekly earnings, while entry-level workers can expect to earn around $23.70, with seasoned professionals earning as much as $37.59 per hour. These figures are sourced from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected for 2026, giving a clear picture of the industry's financial landscape in Bellingham.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.70 | $189.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.08 | $192.60 |
| Median (P50) | $30.11 | $240.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.68 | $261.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.59 | $300.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $30.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.11/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,628 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,132. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.39 | $5,219 | $62,628 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.63 | $3,131 | $37,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.76 | $2,088 | $25,051 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bellingham) | $30.11 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $62,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.29% higher than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.11/hr = $37,577/year (purchasing power: $36,365).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,628/year (purchasing power: $60,608).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellingham grew 34.5% from $21.22/hr (2019) to $28.54/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.77/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
When analyzing the potential earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working 24 hours a week can still achieve respectable annual figures that differ from full-time counterparts. Per diem work offers additional flexibility, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized VTS-credentialed technicians commanding up to $55 for their expertise. Different work settings in Bellingham also influence pay, as corporate veterinary chains may offer steadier income with benefits, while independent clinics could have fluctuating pay based on need. Balancing higher hourly rates against valuable benefits can inform crucial career decisions. For professionals navigating job offers, conducting salary negotiations effectively can enhance earning potential while considering job satisfaction and security in this evolving field.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bellingham?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bellingham?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
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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 Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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