Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lakewood, WA runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,877 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $29.75, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $24.03. This favorable hourly rate is advantageous for those working part-time—like a typical schedule of three days a week—as it allows for a reasonable income while balancing personal commitments. For those pursuing per-diem roles in various settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities, the hourly compensation reflects a competitive market. The hourly range for these professionals in Lakewood spans from approximately $21.25 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.34 for more experienced technicians, indicating diverse earning potential based on experience and specialty credentials.
About the Lakewood 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) | $21.25 | $169.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.11 | $200.87 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.74 | $293.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.34 | $322.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,701. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.04 | $5,157 | $61,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.02 | $3,094 | $37,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.02 | $2,063 | $24,753 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lakewood) | $29.75 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $61,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $62,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,129/year (purchasing power: $34,571).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,882/year (purchasing power: $57,618).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood grew 34.1% from $21.02/hr (2019) to $28.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.39/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
For veterinary technologists and technicians considering part-time work, earning potential can vary significantly. A three-day workweek could yield an annual take-home of around $46,800, compared to full-time earnings that could exceed $80,000 at peak rates. Per-diem opportunities can be lucrative; rates can range between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed technicians able to command between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly in specialized settings. Hourly rates are also influenced by the type of employer: general practices may offer lower wages than corporate chains like VCA or specialty referral hospitals. Additionally, many professionals weigh the benefits of slightly lower pay for employment that provides health insurance and other perks against higher hourly opportunities that may not offer such benefits. Negotiating effectively in Lakewood's competitive job market means understanding these dynamics and articulating skills and certifications clearly.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lakewood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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