Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $29.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Federal Way, WA runs $29.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,059 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Federal Way, WA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.84 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This elevated pay level reflects the current demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, emergency care wards, and specialized veterinary hospitals. Part-time and per-diem workers can benefit from this hourly rate, as they often find roles that allow for flexibility; for example, a part-time veterinary technologist working three days a week can still achieve a respectable income. The hourly range extends from $22.44 for entry-level positions to $40.25 for top earners, indicating substantial growth potential for those who advance their careers or acquire specialized credentials.
About the Federal Way 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) | $22.44 | $179.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.34 | $194.71 |
| Median (P50) | $29.84 | $238.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.60 | $292.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.25 | $321.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $29.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.84/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,058 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,802. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,193.42 | $5,171 | $62,058 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.05 | $3,103 | $37,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.37 | $2,069 | $24,823 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Federal Way) | $29.84 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $62,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.15% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $62,623.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.84/hr = $37,235/year (purchasing power: $34,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,058/year (purchasing power: $57,782).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Federal Way grew 34.1% from $21.08/hr (2019) to $28.28/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.48/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could earn around $46,178 annually, a commendable figure relative to those who work full-time. Per-diem positions present even more variability, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, significantly influencing earnings based on hours worked. Those holding VTS credentials can command rates between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in specialty fields like ER and surgery. In Federal Way, hourly pay varies by employer type—general practice clinics might offer lower rates compared to corporate chains such as VCA or BluePearl, specialty hospitals, or research facilities, which often provide better compensation. While higher-paying roles often come without benefits, many may choose lower hourly compensation that provides health insurance and other perks. Negotiation skills can be essential for veterinary technologists in this market; understanding the employer's needs and being flexible can lead to more favorable work arrangements and compensation.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Federal Way in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Federal Way?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Federal Way paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Federal Way?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Federal Way?
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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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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