Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kirkland, WA: $30.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kirkland, WA runs $30.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,413 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kirkland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkland, Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $30.00, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This advantageous pay scale not only enhances full-time employment opportunities but also provides a favorable environment for part-time and per-diem workers, who may find themselves in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities. The hourly pay can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $21.82, while experienced professionals can command up to $39.21 per hour, reflecting the growing demand for skilled veterinary staff in both traditional and specialized care environments. Increasing awareness of the veterinary technician role is contributing to this competitive compensation landscape.
About the Kirkland 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) | $21.82 | $174.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.84 | $190.74 |
| Median (P50) | $30.00 | $240.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.23 | $289.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.21 | $313.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkland
Based on $30.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.00/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkland, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,409 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,005. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kirkland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,200.17 | $5,201 | $62,409 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $720.10 | $3,120 | $37,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.07 | $2,080 | $24,963 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kirkland) | $30.00 |
| 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 Kirkland, WA earn a median of $62,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $62,601.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.00/hr = $37,445/year (purchasing power: $34,865).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,409/year (purchasing power: $58,109).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kirkland grew 34.1% from $21.20/hr (2019) to $28.44/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.65/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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland
Although full-time veterinary technologists and technicians enjoy stable incomes, part-time employees working a typical 3-day week (24 hours) would earn significantly less annually, which may be appealing for those seeking flexibility. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Kirkland usually ranges from $25 to $40 per hour. Those who have obtained Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command even higher rates, often between $35 and $55 hourly, particularly for specialized roles or weekend shifts. Employment type also influences hourly earnings, as general practice clinics might offer lower rates than corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral hospitals that often pay higher wages to attract talent. However, some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates if they include health benefits, trading off immediate earnings for long-term advantages. Negotiating techniques in this area may include underscoring specialty certifications and demonstrating added value to potential employers, a strategy that can lead to substantial financial gains in the long term.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kirkland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kirkland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kirkland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kirkland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kirkland?
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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 Kirkland. 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 Kirkland 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