Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in SeaTac, WA: $29.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in SeaTac, WA runs $29.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,366 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against SeaTac's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,813 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in SeaTac, Washington can expect a median hourly pay of $29.50, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This higher pay can benefit part-time or per-diem workers who typically operate in diverse settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, zoos, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time employees working three days a week, this rate translates to solid earnings while accommodating a flexible schedule. The hourly wage range in SeaTac runs from $22.19 for entry-level positions to about $39.51 for top earners, providing substantial earnings potential for skilled professionals in the area.
About the SeaTac 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) | $22.19 | $177.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.93 | $191.42 |
| Median (P50) | $29.50 | $235.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.56 | $276.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.51 | $316.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in SeaTac
Based on $29.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.50/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in SeaTac, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,397. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in SeaTac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in SeaTac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.91 | $5,113 | $61,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.95 | $3,068 | $36,813 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.96 | $2,045 | $24,542 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (SeaTac) | $29.50 |
| 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 SeaTac, WA earn a median of $61,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $62,619.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.50/hr = $36,813/year (purchasing power: $34,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,355/year (purchasing power: $57,128).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in SeaTac grew 34.1% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $27.96/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.12/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 SeaTac 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 SeaTac
For those considering part-time work, 24-hour weeks yield an annual income that may fall short of full-time earnings but still offers a comfortable lifestyle. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians generally charge between $25 and $40 an hour, with specialty roles earning even more; VTS-credentialed technicians can command between $35 and $55 hourly, especially for weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings, where rates can climb to $30-$50 per hour due to staffing shortages. In SeaTac, pay varies significantly depending on the nature of the employer; corporate chain hospitals may offer different scales than specialty referral hospitals, university clinics, or zoos. Many professionals weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages against health insurance and job stability, prompting negotiations tailored to individual needs. Indeed, understanding the expectations and compensation structures across environments will empower veterinary technologists and technicians in SeaTac to navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in SeaTac in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in SeaTac?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in SeaTac paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in SeaTac?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in SeaTac?
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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 SeaTac. 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 SeaTac 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