Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kennewick, WA: $30.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kennewick, WA runs $30.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,429 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kennewick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,657 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, becoming a veterinary technologist and technician comes with a competitive hourly rate of $30.97, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This elevated pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and more. For those working part-time—let's say three days a week—this translates to meaningful earnings, particularly when considering an hourly range that extends from $23.67 for entry-level positions to $39.11 for more experienced technicians. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data illustrates how the veterinary field continues to adapt to the evolving job market and the shortage of qualified individuals.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.67 | $189.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.81 | $206.44 |
| Median (P50) | $30.97 | $247.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.02 | $248.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.11 | $312.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennewick
Based on $30.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennewick, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,170. With a cost-of-living index of 100.08 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kennewick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennewick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,238.99 | $5,369 | $64,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $743.40 | $3,221 | $38,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.60 | $2,148 | $25,771 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kennewick) | $30.97 |
| 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 Kennewick, WA earn a median of $64,429 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.89% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.90% above the Washington state average of $62,613.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.97/hr = $38,657/year (purchasing power: $38,626).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,428/year (purchasing power: $64,377).
CoL index: 100.079 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+84.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kennewick grew 66.2% from $17.67/hr (2019) to $29.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.68/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 Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Part-time employees working 24 hours a week will find their annual earnings markedly less than full-time counterparts, yet they still receive a reliable pay scale. Per-diem positions offer flexible work opportunities, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for standard tasks, while veterinary technician specialists (VTS) often command fees upwards of $35 to $55 per hour, especially for specialized roles. Employers in Kennewick vary widely, with general practice clinics, corporate chains, and specialty hospitals each having different pay scales influenced by their resources and staffing needs. This variability creates a landscape where some technicians opt for lower hourly rates due to benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher wages without benefits for greater immediate pay. Negotiating based on these factors, as well as skill sets and certifications from organizations like NAVTA and VTS credentialing, can improve job satisfaction and financial returns in the long run.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kennewick in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kennewick?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kennewick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kennewick?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kennewick?
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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 Kennewick. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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