Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $28.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wenatchee, WA runs $28.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,628 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $28.55 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate allows for diverse earning opportunities in various settings, from general practice clinics to university veterinary hospitals and specialty healthcare facilities. For part-time employees working three days a week, this rate translates into a balanced income that supports a practical lifestyle while providing flexibility. The range of hourly pay spans from $22.41 for entry-level positions to approximately $36.34 for top earners, illustrating the potential for growth within this profession as workers gain experience and specialization. These hourly figures are estimates derived from projected annual salaries and showcase the financial viability for those considering a career as a veterinary technologist or technician in Wenatchee.
About the Wenatchee 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) | $22.41 | $179.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.75 | $189.98 |
| Median (P50) | $28.55 | $228.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.69 | $277.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.34 | $290.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $28.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.55/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $59,380 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,258. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.93 | $4,948 | $59,380 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.16 | $2,969 | $35,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.77 | $1,979 | $23,752 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wenatchee) | $28.55 |
| 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 Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $59,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.20% below the Washington state average of $62,636.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.55/hr = $35,628/year (purchasing power: $33,173).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,380/year (purchasing power: $55,289).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+105.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wenatchee grew 84.7% from $14.65/hr (2019) to $27.06/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.12/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
Consider the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologist and technician roles in Wenatchee. If a professional works just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, their annual income can still be substantial, providing a solid foundation for work-life balance and personal commitments. Per diem positions offer another pathway, with rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for standard assignments, while specialized skills can command even higher rates—$35 to $55 for VTS-credentialed roles and $30 to $50 for weekend shifts in emergency care at urgent clinics facing staffing shortages. Different employers can also impact hourly compensation; for instance, corporate veterinary chains might offer more stable hours and health benefits, though typically at lower rates compared to specialty hospitals or research facilities. Negotiation tactics can be crucial in this competitive job market—candidates may benefit from understanding market rates and expressing the value of their specialized skills to secure the best offer in line with Wenatchee's unique veterinary environment.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wenatchee in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wenatchee?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wenatchee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wenatchee?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wenatchee?
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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 Wenatchee. 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 Wenatchee 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