Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Spokane, WA: $28.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Spokane, WA runs $28.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,241 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Spokane's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,142 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Spokane, WA, earn a median hourly rate of $28.96. This rate significantly outpaces the national median hourly figure of $24.03, reflecting both the higher regional demand for veterinary professionals and the substantial cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this translates to an annual income that can comfortably support living expenses. In Spokane, hourly wages range from $18.96 for entry-level positions to $31.59 for seasoned professionals, allowing those who work in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even zoo and aquarium medical units to find opportunities that match their skill and experience levels. This data is drawn from sources based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.96 | $151.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.05 | $192.43 |
| Median (P50) | $28.96 | $231.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.47 | $243.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.59 | $252.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spokane
Based on $28.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.96/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spokane, WA can expect to earn approximately $60,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,752. With a cost-of-living index of 100.35 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Spokane.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spokane
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.39 | $5,020 | $60,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.03 | $3,012 | $36,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.36 | $2,008 | $24,095 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Spokane) | $28.96 |
| 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 Spokane, WA earn a median of $60,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.52% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Washington state average of $62,620.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.96/hr = $36,142/year (purchasing power: $36,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,236/year (purchasing power: $60,029).
CoL index: 100.346 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+83.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Spokane (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Spokane grew 64.5% from $16.69/hr (2019) to $27.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.55/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 Spokane 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 Spokane
For those considering part-time work in veterinary technology, taking on a three-day workweek results in an annual income that can be competitive with full-time earnings, depending on the hours worked and wages secured. Per-diem opportunities in Spokane can further enhance earning potential, with compensation typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. More specialized roles, especially those involving VTS credentials, can push that hourly figure even higher, reaching between $35 and $55. Additionally, weekend or overnight shifts in emergency situations may command rates from $30 to $50, indicative of a broader veterinary technician pay structure that varies across employers like general practice clinics and corporate chains such as VCA or BluePearl. While some technicians accept lower hourly wages for the benefits offered, such as health insurance, others might prioritize immediate higher pay without benefits. Negotiation can be a strategic advantage here; understanding the local market demand can put you in a stronger position when discussing your hourly rate in the competitive Spokane job landscape.
More salary data for Spokane, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Spokane in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Spokane?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Spokane paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Spokane?
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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 Spokane. 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