Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $31.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Seattle, WA runs $31.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,775 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $31.07, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals in a city facing workforce shortages, allowing even part-time and per-diem workers to earn a competitive income. For instance, those working just three days a week could still see a solid paycheck in a profession that serves diverse settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. With a range from $25.04 at the entry-level to $39.59 for top earners, the hourly pay structure offers opportunities for career advancement, especially for those pursuing the VTS credential to unlock higher wages. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight the earning potential in this critical field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.04 | $200.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.13 | $233.03 |
| Median (P50) | $31.07 | $248.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.46 | $283.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.59 | $316.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $31.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.07/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,284. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,242.79 | $5,385 | $64,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $745.67 | $3,231 | $38,775 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.12 | $2,154 | $25,850 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Seattle) | $31.07 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $64,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.29% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% above the Washington state average of $62,625.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.07/hr = $38,775/year (purchasing power: $34,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,625/year (purchasing power: $58,151).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+73.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Seattle grew 55.7% from $18.91/hr (2019) to $29.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.78/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Looking deeper into the hourly earnings, those working part-time—say around 24 hours per week—might find their annual take-home considerably lower than full-time practitioners in Seattle. While full-time positions can offer stability and benefits, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians typically bill between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on their specialization. Advanced certifications, like the VTS, can allow some to command rates as high as $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency care. Different employer types also play a significant role in shaping pay; general practice clinics may pay less compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals aimed at advanced veterinary services. Some may opt for lower-paying roles in exchange for health benefits, though others might prefer flexible schedules with hourly rates that mandate negotiation. Understanding the nuances of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Seattle can help professionals make informed choices about their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Seattle in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Seattle?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Seattle paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Seattle?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Seattle?
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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 Seattle. 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