Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $30.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tacoma, WA runs $30.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians command a competitive hourly median of $30.55, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. For part-time workers, such as those typically engaged in general practice, specialty hospitals, or universities, this translates into a solid earning potential, particularly for those working just three days a week. This means that individuals can expect to earn around $30,000 for part-time roles, depending on the specific conditions of their employment. The hourly pay range is broad, covering entry-level positions at $22.40 to experienced specialists at $43.63, reflecting the diverse needs and employer types, from veterinary clinics to research facilities.
About the Tacoma 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) | $22.40 | $179.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.64 | $197.16 |
| Median (P50) | $30.55 | $244.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.80 | $310.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.63 | $349.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $30.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.55/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,663. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.11 | $5,296 | $63,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.27 | $3,177 | $38,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.84 | $2,118 | $25,420 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tacoma) | $30.55 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $63,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.14% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the Washington state average of $62,612.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.55/hr = $38,130/year (purchasing power: $35,503).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,550/year (purchasing power: $59,171).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tacoma grew 34.1% from $21.59/hr (2019) to $28.96/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.23/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
When considering per-diem work in Tacoma, veterinary technologists and technicians often find opportunities that vary widely in hourly compensation. Per-diem vet techs generally bill between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with specialized credentials can command $35 to $55 hourly in specialty practice settings. Coverage in urgent care or emergency cases, especially on weekends and nights, can yield $30 to $50 per hour, particularly in underserved markets. The choice between working for corporate chains or local practices impacts hourly compensation, as corporate settings may offer lower rates but include benefits such as health insurance, whereas independent practices might provide higher pay without benefits. Those entering negotiations should highlight their work experience and specialization, especially in a city like Tacoma where demand is rising amid a national workforce shortage. By understanding these dynamics, veterinary technologists and technicians can effectively shape their career paths and maximize their earning potential in this vital field.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tacoma in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tacoma?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tacoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tacoma?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tacoma?
Related Pages
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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