Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Walla Walla, WA: $28.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Walla Walla, WA runs $28.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Walla Walla's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,668 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Walla Walla, WA, veterinary technologists and technicians are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.58 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $24.03. This lucrative pay scale allows for a range of employment options, from part-time positions to per-diem work, making it particularly attractive for those who may opt to work three days a week or take on per-diem shifts. Those entering the field can anticipate earning around $22.48 per hour, while the top earners might see their hourly pay rise to $36.45. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing insight into what such roles typically pay within diverse work environments, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and even research facilities.
About the Walla Walla 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) | $22.48 | $179.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.82 | $190.58 |
| Median (P50) | $28.58 | $228.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.14 | $273.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.45 | $291.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Walla Walla
Based on $28.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.58/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Walla Walla, WA can expect to earn approximately $59,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,296. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Walla Walla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Walla Walla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,143.20 | $4,954 | $59,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.92 | $2,972 | $35,668 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.28 | $1,982 | $23,779 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Walla Walla) | $28.58 |
| 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 Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $59,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $62,641.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.58/hr = $35,668/year (purchasing power: $33,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,446/year (purchasing power: $55,350).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Walla Walla grew 34.1% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $27.09/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.15/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 Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla
For those considering part-time roles, working just three days a week translates to a significant annual income when compared to full-time counterparts, but the lack of certain benefits can be a trade-off. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Walla Walla typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour for standard roles, with specialized veterinary technician specialists (VTS) earning between $35 and $55 hourly. Additionally, weekend or overnight shifts can command rates of $30 to $50, especially in environments suffering from staffing shortages. While corporate chain hospitals may offer the security of benefits alongside competitive hourly pay, some might opt for higher rates at independent clinics without insurance benefits. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can be beneficial, particularly in this competitive field, with training from NAVTA and awareness of regional pay trends aiding these conversations.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Walla Walla in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Walla Walla?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Walla Walla paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Walla Walla?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Walla Walla?
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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 Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla 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