Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $27.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tukwila, WA runs $27.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,733 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $27.83, which is significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects not only the skills required for this role but also the increasing demand for professionals in the field. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, the hourly wage presents a favorable opportunity. Working three days a week, for instance, allows technicians to maintain a decent income while managing other commitments. The hourly range here is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $22.82 and experienced professionals making as much as $34.71, indicative of the distinct roles available in various settings, including general practice, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Tukwila 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) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.27 | $186.19 |
| Median (P50) | $27.83 | $222.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.84 | $262.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.71 | $277.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $27.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.83/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $57,888 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,397. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,113.24 | $4,824 | $57,888 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $667.94 | $2,894 | $34,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.29 | $1,930 | $23,155 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tukwila) | $27.83 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $57,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.80% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $62,647.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.83/hr = $34,733/year (purchasing power: $32,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,888/year (purchasing power: $53,900).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tukwila grew 34.1% from $19.67/hr (2019) to $26.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
While full-time veterinary technologists and technicians benefit from steady hours, part-time workers still find lucrative earning potentials. For example, a 24-hour work week can translate to substantial annual earnings, although not as extensive as a full-time role. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Tukwila typically charge between $25 to $40 per hour, which can rise to $35 to $55 for VTS-credentialed specialists, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. Employers in Tukwila, ranging from corporate chain hospitals to university clinics, often pay differently based on the setting, with varied benefits influencing take-home pay. While some may opt for higher hourly rates without full employer-paid benefits, others might prioritize job security and healthcare packages found in corporate or academic settings. To negotiate effectively, understanding local pay rates and demonstrating specialized skills, particularly those related to specific credentials like VTS, will be essential for veterinary technologists and technicians in the area.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tukwila?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tukwila?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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