Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $30.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Olympia, WA runs $30.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,519 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,511 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $30.06. This figure significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $24.03, highlighting the competitive wages offered to these professionals in the region. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a reliable income while allowing flexibility. Per-diem workers in settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities also benefit from this robust hourly compensation, with entry-level positions starting around $19.82 and top earners reaching up to $37.78 per hour. These figures are based on projections derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and suggest that Olympia provides favorable pay rates for veterinary technologists and technicians compared to other areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.82 | $158.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.32 | $202.56 |
| Median (P50) | $30.06 | $240.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.74 | $253.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.78 | $302.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
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 Olympia, 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 103.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| 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 (Olympia) | $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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $62,519 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 $62,645.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.06/hr = $37,511/year (purchasing power: $36,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,518/year (purchasing power: $60,305).
CoL index: 103.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.29/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 Olympia grew 31.5% from $21.66/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
Evaluating the part-time earning potential reveals that a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week could take home a substantial income while choosing a flexible schedule. When considering per-diem opportunities, veterinary technicians often find billing rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty technicians holding VTS credentials earning between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, overnight emergency coverage at understaffed facilities may command rates between $30 and $50 per hour in Olympia's competitive market. The types of employers also influence pay, with corporate veterinary hospitals often providing health benefits that can lead to a trade-off for those accepting lower hourly rates. For those negotiating their hourly pay in Olympia, it's beneficial to research the specific demands of potential employers and recognize how factors like experience, specialization, and health benefits can sway salary offers.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Olympia in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Olympia?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Olympia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Olympia?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Olympia?
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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 Olympia. 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, 7-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