Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Covington, WA: $28.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Covington, WA runs $28.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,790 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,273 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $28.26. This figure is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting the local demand for skilled professionals in veterinary care. With a range of $21.50 to $36.00 per hour, the pay structure allows for varying degrees of experience and expertise, offering entry-level positions the opportunity to start at $21.50, while seasoned professionals at the top of their field can earn up to $36.00. For those working part-time, such as in a general practice or specialty hospital setting, taking on a schedule of just three days a week could offer substantial earnings, even in a reduced weekly framework. Estimated from annual salary data, these hourly rates provide insight into the various employment environments available, which include university teaching hospitals, zoos, and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Covington 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) | $21.50 | $172.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.99 | $191.93 |
| Median (P50) | $28.26 | $226.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.90 | $271.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.00 | $287.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $28.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, WA can expect to earn approximately $58,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,916. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,130.54 | $4,899 | $58,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.32 | $2,939 | $35,273 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.22 | $1,960 | $23,515 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Covington) | $28.26 |
| 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 Covington, WA earn a median of $58,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $62,609.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.26/hr = $35,273/year (purchasing power: $32,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,788/year (purchasing power: $54,737).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Covington grew 34.1% from $19.97/hr (2019) to $26.79/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.82/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 Covington 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 Covington
Examining the earnings potential for part-time workers reveals interesting dynamics. A veterinary technologist and technician clocking in 24 hours a week can expect to make around $44,000 annually, while going full-time could yield over $58,000 per year. This part-time flexibility is appealing, especially for those balancing additional commitments. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Covington sees a wide range, where individuals commonly bill $25-$40 per hour, while specialized technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials may command rates between $35-$55 per hour. Rates applicable for weekend or overnight emergency coverage can reach $30-$50 per hour in high-demand markets. Additionally, the type of employer can significantly impact earnings—general practice clinics typically offer lower hourly rates compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers. For many in Covington, accepting a lower hourly rate might come with the advantage of health benefits, while others might choose higher pay without benefits. Job seekers are advised to clearly understand their priorities, particularly when negotiating offers, to ensure they align with their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Covington, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Covington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Covington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Covington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Covington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Covington?
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 Covington. 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 Covington 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