Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $30.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tumwater, WA runs $30.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,853 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Tumwater, WA, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $30.33, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $24.03. This higher rate is reflective of the local demand for skilled professionals in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/ECC wards, and even university teaching hospital clinics. For part-time workers putting in roughly three days a week, or for those selecting per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate can translate to a comfortable income, especially considering the wage range in Tumwater varies from $22.77 for entry-level positions to as much as $40.56 for the most experienced technicians. These figures stem from estimates based on annual salary data, highlighting the potential for varying levels of earnings in this growing profession.
About the Tumwater 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) | $22.77 | $182.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.73 | $205.85 |
| Median (P50) | $30.33 | $242.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.50 | $284.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.56 | $324.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $30.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.33/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,398. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.25 | $5,257 | $63,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.95 | $3,154 | $37,853 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.30 | $2,103 | $25,236 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tumwater) | $30.33 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $63,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.22% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the Washington state average of $62,654.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.33/hr = $37,853/year (purchasing power: $35,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,089/year (purchasing power: $58,742).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tumwater grew 34.1% from $21.43/hr (2019) to $28.75/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.00/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
The earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians working part-time can be quite favorable. A technician working 24 hours a week could see an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of a full-time peer due to fewer hours worked, but still commensurate with the time dedicated. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Tumwater typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour; however, specialty technicians with VTS credentials may command between $35 and $55 hourly, particularly during high-demand weekend or overnight shifts. This fluctuation indicates that hourly earnings can vary widely across employer types, from corporate chain hospitals to specialty referral facilities and research labs. While some may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates with benefits, others might prefer higher pay without perks, weighing their options based on lifestyle priorities. A good approach to negotiate hourly pay in Tumwater includes understanding the local market rates, demonstrating specialized skills, and showcasing relevant certifications like those from NAVTA or the VTS credentialing pathway.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tumwater in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tumwater?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tumwater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tumwater?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tumwater?
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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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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