Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Auburn, WA: $61,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Auburn, WA earns a median $61,902/year (≈ $29.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,637 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Auburn, WA is projected to reach a median annual figure of $61,902, which represents a significant 23.84% above the national median of $49,986. Earnings in this field can vary considerably, with a range spanning from $44,187 at the 10th percentile to $83,808 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data that account for regional price variations, reflecting the economic climate in Auburn. As corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl continue to shape the veterinary market, the compensation structures they implement play a critical role in establishing competitive pay scales in the region. Given the increasing demand for skilled professionals amid a workforce shortage, opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians appear promising in Auburn.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,187 | $21.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,928 | $24.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,902 | $29.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,494 | $36.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,808 | $40.29 |
Median Salary Position
23.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,621 (2026 est.). At $61,902, the local median is 23.84% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Auburn median: $61,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,654 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.84% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Auburn, WA earn a median of $61,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $62,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,902 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,637 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,740
2025 BLS Actual
$58,675
2026 Current Est.
$61,902
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,635 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,740 (2019) to $58,675 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,567 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,187 – $50,928 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,928 – $61,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,902 – $76,494 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,494 – $83,808 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Auburn
Examining the local job market, there are currently 23 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Auburn, indicating a niche market with potential for growth as the industry evolves. The relatively high cost of living index at 107.4 suggests that while salaries are competitive, expenses in the area can impact overall take-home purchasing power. Top-paying employers include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains, where advanced certifications like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can significantly affect earnings. Factors driving the disparity between lower and higher salaries include the type of practice—specialty hospitals tend to pay more than general practices, and shifts at 24-hour emergency hospitals often come with additional pay differentials. To maximize their earning potential, aspiring technicians in Auburn should focus on obtaining VTS credentials, exploring opportunities within specialty settings, and actively participating in continuing education that keeps them competitive in the evolving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Auburn?
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Related Pages
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $58,675 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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