Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Washington: $63,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Washington's 49 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $63,366/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Washington sits at BEA RPP 107.4 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $59,000 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Richland ($62,343), Bellevue ($61,860), Seattle ($61,260).
In Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn an average median salary of $63,366 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986, reflecting a 26.8% premium. The highest salaries can be found in Richland, where wages reach $65,772, while Tukwila offers the lowest at $57,886. This difference in pay across cities can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and the local job market dynamics. Washington requires veterinary technicians to be licensed, which establishes a professional standard and often enhances earning potential. The state's scope of practice laws also allow for a broader range of responsibilities compared to some other regions, making the role more essential. The job market demonstrates a positive outlook, projecting an annual growth rate of 5.50%. With a total of 2,254 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, the demand for qualified professionals appears to be strong, driven by the increasing pet ownership and advancements in veterinary medicine. Overall, with varying salaries across metro areas, opportunities in Washington present a solid option for those entering the field.
Washington Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Washington: $39,436 (lowest entry-level) to $91,849 (highest top earner)
Washington vs National Average
Washington veterinary technologists and technicians earn 26.77% more than the national median (+$13,380/year difference).
Washington Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Washington range from $48,796 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $81,194 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $63,366. The Washington median is $13,380 above the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $30.46/hr. Approximately 2,254 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 49 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,185
2025 BLS Actual
$60,063
2026 Current Est.
$63,366
2019–2027 Growth
+70.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,185 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,925 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,922 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 53.3% from $39,185 (2019) to $60,063 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,666 (70.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Washington
Lowest Paying Cities in Washington
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Tukwila | $57,886 |
| Mountlake Terrace | $57,974 |
| Covington | $58,790 |
| Kenmore | $58,794 |
| Oak Harbor | $59,176 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Washington
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Washington cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick | $64,429 | 100.079 | $64,378 |
| Mount Vernon | $64,176 | 102.443 | $62,646 |
| Richland | $65,772 | 107.4 | $61,240 |
| Bellevue | $65,262 | 107.4 | $60,765 |
| Bellingham | $62,625 | 103.334 | $60,604 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $48,796 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $63,366 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $81,194 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Washington metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 49 Cities in Washington
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richland | $65,772 |
| 2 | Bellevue | $65,262 |
| 3 | Seattle | $64,629 |
| 4 | Kennewick | $64,429 |
| 5 | Renton | $64,260 |
| 6 | Mount Vernon | $64,176 |
| 7 | Everett | $63,639 |
| 8 | Tacoma | $63,551 |
| 9 | Marysville | $63,162 |
| 10 | Tumwater | $63,092 |
| 11 | Shoreline | $62,815 |
| 12 | Bellingham | $62,625 |
| 13 | Redmond | $62,567 |
| 14 | Olympia | $62,519 |
| 15 | Kent | $62,515 |
| 16 | Kirkland | $62,413 |
| 17 | Burien | $62,334 |
| 18 | Federal Way | $62,059 |
| 19 | Des Moines | $62,046 |
| 20 | Lacey | $62,007 |
| 21 | Vancouver | $61,902 |
| 22 | Auburn | $61,902 |
| 23 | Lakewood | $61,877 |
| 24 | Issaquah | $61,842 |
| 25 | Sammamish | $61,436 |
| 26 | University Place | $61,415 |
| 27 | Spokane Valley | $61,400 |
| 28 | SeaTac | $61,366 |
| 29 | Pasco | $61,103 |
| 30 | Longview | $61,074 |
| 31 | Bremerton | $60,895 |
| 32 | Edmonds | $60,729 |
| 33 | Lake Stevens | $60,569 |
| 34 | Lynnwood | $60,530 |
| 35 | Moses Lake | $60,414 |
| 36 | Bothell | $60,369 |
| 37 | Spokane | $60,241 |
| 38 | Pullman | $60,102 |
| 39 | Puyallup | $59,966 |
| 40 | Ellensburg | $59,740 |
| 41 | Maple Valley | $59,577 |
| 42 | Walla Walla | $59,446 |
| 43 | Camas | $59,427 |
| 44 | Wenatchee | $59,379 |
| 45 | Oak Harbor | $59,176 |
| 46 | Kenmore | $58,794 |
| 47 | Covington | $58,790 |
| 48 | Mountlake Terrace | $57,974 |
| 49 | Tukwila | $57,886 |
More Washington Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Washington cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Compare Cities in Washington
View all comparisons →Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Washington in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Washington?
How does Washington veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Washington?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Washington?
Which Washington city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Washington. State averages are employment-weighted across 49 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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