Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $29.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Burien, WA runs $29.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,406 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Burien, WA, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $29.97. This amount surpasses the national median of $24.03, suggesting that professionals in this area enjoy better compensation relative to their counterparts nationwide. With hourly wages ranging from $23.28 for entry-level positions to $41.08 for the most experienced technicians, the financial prospects are promising for both full-time and part-time workers. Part-time employment, particularly in settings such as general practice treatment areas and specialty hospital wards, allows individuals to earn a substantial wage even while working just three days a week, potentially enhancing the appeal of flexible scheduling. Additionally, per-diem roles present an attractive option for those who prefer varied work environments, from teaching hospitals to local zoos or pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Burien 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) | $23.28 | $186.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.91 | $199.27 |
| Median (P50) | $29.97 | $239.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.27 | $298.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.08 | $328.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $29.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,343 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,967. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.90 | $5,195 | $62,343 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.34 | $3,117 | $37,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.56 | $2,078 | $24,937 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Burien) | $29.97 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $62,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.70% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $62,647.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.97/hr = $37,406/year (purchasing power: $34,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,343/year (purchasing power: $58,047).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burien grew 34.1% from $21.18/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.62/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 Burien 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 Burien
For those considering a part-time career as a veterinary technologist and technician, working a 24-hour week over three days can yield a comfortable income when compared to full-time roles. Many in this profession are exploring per-diem or agency assignments, which typically offer pay rates between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on expertise and demand. Specialty credentialed technicians often command even higher rates, with charges reaching $35-$55 per hour and nighttime or weekend shifts in emergency and critical care departments attracting premiums of $30-$50 per hour due to staffing shortages. In Burien, there are pay differentials based on employer type; for instance, corporate chain hospitals might offer more stability but lower hourly rates compared to specialized referral hospitals. However, technicians may accept reduced pay for the benefits that come with full-time positions, including health insurance. As the workforce in this field continues to evolve and demand increases, strategic negotiation about hourly rates becomes essential, particularly in a competitive labor market.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Burien?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Burien paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Burien?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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