Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $28.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ellensburg, WA runs $28.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,740 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,839 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellensburg, Washington, is projected to be $28.72, significantly higher than the national average of $24.03. This discrepancy indicates a favorable job market for professionals in the area, particularly those working in diverse settings such as general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, universities, or even research facilities. The hourly wage range for this role stretches from $22.64 for entry-level positions to about $35.81 for experienced technicians. Such rates can benefit part-time workers; for example, those opting to work three days a week may find their earnings significantly enhanced as they balance their passion for animal care with flexible scheduling. These hourly figures stem from annual salary estimates, providing a clear picture of the financial landscape for this profession in Ellensburg.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $22.64 | $181.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.82 | $190.58 |
| Median (P50) | $28.72 | $229.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.89 | $271.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.81 | $286.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $28.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.72/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $59,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,461. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,148.68 | $4,978 | $59,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $689.21 | $2,987 | $35,839 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.47 | $1,991 | $23,893 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ellensburg) | $28.72 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $59,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.51% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $62,621.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.72/hr = $35,839/year (purchasing power: $33,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,732/year (purchasing power: $55,616).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellensburg grew 34.1% from $20.29/hr (2019) to $27.22/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.30/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
Analyzing the potential earning scenarios for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellensburg reveals interesting dynamics, especially for part-time and per-diem positions. A worker on a 3-day schedule, dedicating 24 hours a week, would bring home roughly $44,795 annually, demonstrating a solid income even with a part-time commitment compared to a full-time role. Additionally, per diem or agency professionals typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour; those with VTS specialty credentials can earn $35 to $55 per hour, while weekend and overnight support may range from $30 to $50 during staffing shortages. Pay rates can also fluctuate depending on the employer type—general practices may offer lower hourly statements, while specialty and referral hospitals can present opportunities for higher pay. However, many technicians may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Those negotiating hourly pay in Ellensburg might consider discussing additional incentives, bonuses, or even flexibility in hours to make the overall employment package more attractive.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ellensburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellensburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ellensburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ellensburg?
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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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