Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $30.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kent, WA runs $30.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,511 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $30.06, which is significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust hourly wage provides benefits to both part-time employees and per-diem workers. Part-time workers often take on shifts averaging three days a week, yielding substantial earnings while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range extends from $22.95 for entry-level positions to $42.11 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse settings they operate in, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and animal research facilities. Data from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data indicate that this career has been particularly favorable in Kent, given the rising demand for veterinary services.
About the Kent 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) | $22.95 | $183.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.77 | $198.17 |
| Median (P50) | $30.06 | $240.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.79 | $302.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.11 | $336.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $30.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,068. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.28 | $5,210 | $62,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.37 | $3,126 | $37,511 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.91 | $2,084 | $25,007 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kent) | $30.06 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $62,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $62,640.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.06/hr = $37,511/year (purchasing power: $34,927).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,518/year (purchasing power: $58,211).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent grew 34.1% from $21.24/hr (2019) to $28.49/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.71/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 Kent 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 Kent
Considering part-time employment, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can realize a solid income while balancing other commitments. Typically, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialists can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly during weekends or overnight shifts in emergency contexts. The variability in pay is influenced by the type of employer, with corporate chain hospitals often offering steady hours but potentially lower pay compared to specialty referral hospitals where hourly rates can be more attractive. Many veterinary technologists face a trade-off in benefits; those accepting lower pay often receive health insurance, while others might prefer higher hourly wages without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s beneficial for workers in Kent to research current market rates and express their willingness to adapt to the employer's needs to secure a fair arrangement.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kent?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kent?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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