Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Moses Lake, WA: $29.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Moses Lake, WA runs $29.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Moses Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moses Lake, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at an impressive $29.04, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This elevated hourly rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even veterinary research facilities. For part-time workers, typically logging around three days a week, this pay can offer meaningful income, especially when combined with on-call or per-diem opportunities. With hourly pay ranging from $23.58 at entry-level positions to $37.94 for experienced individuals, those in this field have the flexibility to choose hours that match their personal situations. All hourly estimates stem from 2026 projections based on annual salaries sourced from 2025 BLS data, illustrating a robust earning potential in this profession across various medical contexts in Moses Lake.
About the Moses Lake 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) | $23.58 | $188.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.77 | $198.17 |
| Median (P50) | $29.04 | $232.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.23 | $281.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.94 | $303.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moses Lake
Based on $29.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moses Lake, WA can expect to earn approximately $60,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,853. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moses Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moses Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,161.77 | $5,034 | $60,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.06 | $3,021 | $36,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.71 | $2,014 | $24,165 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Moses Lake) | $29.04 |
| 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 Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $60,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $62,605.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.04/hr = $36,247/year (purchasing power: $33,750).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,412/year (purchasing power: $56,249).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Moses Lake grew 34.1% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $27.53/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.64/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 Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician’s annual earnings can vary considerably from full-time counterparts. If a technician works three days a week for 24 hours, their annual take-home could amount to approximately $45,000, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Many per-diem or agency technicians in Moses Lake are found billing between $25 and $40 per hour, while those credentialed as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) can command rates from $35 to $55. Weekend and overnight shifts see even higher rates, typically from $30 to $50 per hour in markets grappling with staff shortages. Moreover, the type of employer plays a pivotal role in compensation; general practice clinics may offer baseline rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals generally provide enhanced benefits and salaries. With this in mind, negotiating for better pay often requires individuals to weigh benefits against higher hourly wages. Having a clear understanding of the local market can strengthen one’s position during salary discussions, allowing technicians to make informed choices that align with their career goals in veterinary medicine.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Moses Lake. 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 Moses Lake 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