Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $29.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in University Place, WA runs $29.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,853 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate stands at $29.53, which is notably higher than the national median hourly wage of $24.03. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a competitive income that can help cover living expenses, especially given the city's cost of living index of 107.4. Per-diem workers in this field also benefit from attractive pay prospects, with compensation varying based on the demand and complexity of the tasks. Hourly wages typically range from $22.37 for entry-level positions to $39.51 for experienced professionals, making this role within general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and other clinical settings appealing for both full-time and part-time workers.
About the University Place 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) | $22.37 | $178.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Median (P50) | $29.53 | $236.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.66 | $277.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.51 | $316.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $29.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.53/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,421 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,435. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.18 | $5,118 | $61,421 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.71 | $3,071 | $36,853 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.47 | $2,047 | $24,569 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (University Place) | $29.53 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $61,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $62,604.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.53/hr = $36,853/year (purchasing power: $34,314).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,421/year (purchasing power: $57,189).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in University Place grew 34.1% from $20.87/hr (2019) to $27.99/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.15/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 University Place 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 University Place
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in University Place can be lucrative, especially when working a 24-hour week. In comparison to full-time workers, part-time professionals may take home less annually; however, the flexibility and work-life balance can be appealing. For those considering per-diem or agency work, rates often vary, with common billing anywhere between $25 and $40 per hour, and specialty credentialed technicians commanding even higher rates. Hospitals facing staffing shortages may offer attractive compensation, sometimes ranging from $30 to $50 an hour for overnight and weekend work. Furthermore, the differences in hourly pay across various employer types in University Place highlight the trade-offs many technicians must consider regarding benefits and overall compensation. While corporate clinics may provide higher base pay, they may lack substantial benefits, prompting some to negotiate hourly for improved compensation or seek job offerings that include health insurance and retirement plans, such as those found in academic or specialty institutions.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in University Place?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in University Place paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in University Place?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in University Place?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 University Place. 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 University Place 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