Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Shoreline, WA: $30.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Shoreline, WA runs $30.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Shoreline's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,695 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Shoreline, WA, is set at $30.20 in 2026, considerably higher than the national median of $24.03. For part-time workers, such as those putting in 24 hours a week, this translates into a monthly income of about $2,764, which can vary with hours worked in settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities. The hourly range in Shoreline indicates that entry-level roles can expect around $22.30, while experienced technicians can achieve up to $39.95, showing significant potential for financial growth within this profession. These pay rates reflect a broader trend of increasing compensation for veterinary services as demand for skilled technicians rises across the state.
About the Shoreline 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) | $22.30 | $178.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Median (P50) | $30.20 | $241.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.69 | $293.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.95 | $319.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shoreline
Based on $30.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.20/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shoreline, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,246. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shoreline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shoreline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.19 | $5,235 | $62,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.91 | $3,141 | $37,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.27 | $2,094 | $25,130 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Shoreline) | $30.20 |
| 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 Shoreline, WA earn a median of $62,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.67% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $62,627.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.20/hr = $37,695/year (purchasing power: $35,098).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,826/year (purchasing power: $58,497).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shoreline grew 34.1% from $21.34/hr (2019) to $28.63/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.87/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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline
Looking at the earning potential for part-time versus full-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals interesting insights, particularly for those approaching the demanding per-diem work structure. Opting for per diem roles generally offers hourly billing rates between $25 and $40, with specialized technicians often earning as high as $55 per hour. This creates a diverse landscape where full-time employees might prioritize consistent hours and healthcare benefits, while those in per diem roles leverage flexibility. In Shoreline, the earnings can significantly fluctuate depending on the employer type, with specialized referral hospitals and corporate chains typically compensating more than general practice clinics. Factors such as weekend or overnight shifts also drive earnings up, making negotiation skills crucial for maximizing hourly compensation. Understanding local rates and advocating for one's worth can make a considerable difference for veterinary technologists and technicians navigating their career paths in this sector.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shoreline in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Shoreline?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Shoreline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Shoreline?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Shoreline?
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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 Shoreline. 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 Shoreline 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