Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pasco, WA: $29.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pasco, WA runs $29.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pasco's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,668 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasco, Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians see a median hourly pay of $29.38, which is significantly above the national average of $24.03. This competitive wage can have a considerable impact on the financial lives of those working part-time, such as individuals employed three days a week, as well as on per diem workers who may float between various work environments. In settings ranging from general practice veterinary clinics to specialty hospital ICUs and even zoos, these rates enable flexibility for employees balancing multiple roles or personal commitments. With hourly earnings ranging from $22.75 at the entry level up to about $39.03 for the top earners, professionals in Pasco can enjoy varied pay that reflects both their experience and the demands of local job markets.
About the Pasco 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) | $22.75 | $181.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.36 | $194.88 |
| Median (P50) | $29.38 | $235.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.88 | $287.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.03 | $312.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasco
Based on $29.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasco, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,114 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,258. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.27 | $5,093 | $61,114 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.16 | $3,056 | $36,668 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.11 | $2,037 | $24,446 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pasco) | $29.38 |
| 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 Pasco, WA earn a median of $61,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.24% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $62,606.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.38/hr = $36,668/year (purchasing power: $34,142).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,114/year (purchasing power: $56,903).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasco grew 34.1% from $20.76/hr (2019) to $27.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.00/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 Pasco 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 Pasco
For those opting for part-time work, the annual income for a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would tally significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still offers meaningful financial stability. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Pasco can vary widely, with professionals billing anywhere from $25 to $40 an hour for standard shifts. However, those with VTS credentials find that their specialty knowledge allows them to charge between $35 and $55 an hour, particularly in emergency or specialty practices during high demand periods. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals and university teaching facilities typically offer varying pay scales, highlighting the importance of employer type in negotiating wages. Sometimes, technicians are faced with the choice between a higher hourly wage with little or no benefits and lower pay paired with comprehensive healthcare options. As Pasco continues to see a workforce shortage for veterinary roles, effectively negotiating hourly pay, based on local market conditions and specific qualifications, can be key to maximizing income potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasco in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pasco?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pasco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pasco?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pasco?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Pasco. 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 Pasco 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