Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bellevue, WA: $65,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bellevue, WA earns a median $65,262/year (≈ $31.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bellevue's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $60,765 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Bellevue, Washington presents a competitive financial landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians, with a projected median annual salary of $65,262 in 2026. This figures considerably higher than the national median of $49,986, highlighting the city's attractive pay scale for professionals in this field. Salary estimates indicate a range from $46,638 at the 10th percentile to $91,849 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and credentialing among practitioners. These salary figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic conditions. This elevated compensation level is influenced by the presence of major corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which have established their pay structures in the Bellevue market, ensuring competitive remuneration for skilled veterinary support staff.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,638 | $22.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,582 | $24.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,262 | $31.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,810 | $38.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,849 | $44.16 |
Median Salary Position
30.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
In Bellevue, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,211 (2026 est.). At $65,262, the local median is 30.56% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellevue: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellevue Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bellevue median: $65,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellevue Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,632 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +30.56% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $65,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.56% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% above the Washington state average of $62,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellevue has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellevue, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,262 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,765 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,114
2025 BLS Actual
$61,860
2026 Current Est.
$65,262
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,108 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,769 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellevue metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $46,114 (2019) to $61,860 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,738 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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) | $46,638 – $51,582 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,582 – $65,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,262 – $79,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,810 – $91,849 |
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 Bellevue
Looking deeper into the local job market, there are currently 26 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Bellevue, which reflects a growing demand for these vital roles. However, with a cost of living index of 107.4, professionals must consider the impact on their take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers, corporate hospital chains, specialty referral hospitals, and educational facilities tend to offer the highest pay. Factors such as VTS specialty credentials and positions in emergency or critical care settings command some of the top salaries. The significant spread in earnings can be attributed to differences in work environments, required qualifications, and additional responsibilities, such as lead roles or mentorship. For those looking to enhance their salary potential in Bellevue, gaining specialty certifications or seeking roles in corporate settings could significantly improve earning prospects in this competitive market.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $61,860 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bellevue 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 Bellevue 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