Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Issaquah, WA: $29.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Issaquah, WA runs $29.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Issaquah's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Issaquah, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $29.73 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference offers a compelling incentive for both full-time and part-time professionals considering various employment settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoo or aquarium medical units. For part-time workers operating on a three-day work week, this median hourly wage translates into a substantial income, while per-diem opportunities can allow for greater flexibility and even higher earning potential. The hourly range in Issaquah spans from $22.84 for entry-level positions to about $37.29 for those reaching the higher tiers of their profession, providing ample opportunity for advancement based on experience and specialization.
About the Issaquah 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) | $22.84 | $182.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.39 | $195.13 |
| Median (P50) | $29.73 | $237.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.12 | $280.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.29 | $298.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Issaquah
Based on $29.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.73/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Issaquah, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,676. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Issaquah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Issaquah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,189.20 | $5,153 | $61,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.52 | $3,092 | $37,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.68 | $2,061 | $24,735 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Issaquah) | $29.73 |
| 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 Issaquah, WA earn a median of $61,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.72% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $62,593.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.73/hr = $37,103/year (purchasing power: $34,546).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,838/year (purchasing power: $57,577).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Issaquah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Issaquah grew 34.1% from $21.01/hr (2019) to $28.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.37/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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah
For those contemplating part-time work as veterinary technologists and technicians, it's essential to evaluate overall compensation compared to full-time roles. A part-time schedule, typically around 24 hours per week, could bring annual earnings significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet the flexibility and improved work-life balance are appealing factors. In the realm of per diem work, rates can vary widely; many professionals charge between $25-$40 per hour, while those holding specialty credentials may command up to $55 per hour for specific skills. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer in Issaquah—general practices usually offer lower pay compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals—often leading to a situation where some opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, while others may prefer lower rates for employment with health coverage. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s prudent to emphasize certifications and specialized experience, as the acute veterinary technician workforce shortage has resulted in rising pay scales and inflated agency rates in this sector.
More salary data for Issaquah, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Issaquah in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Issaquah?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Issaquah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Issaquah?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Issaquah?
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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 Issaquah. 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 Issaquah 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