Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $59,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $59,740/year (≈ $28.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $55,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $59,740 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $49,986, representing a 19.51% advantage. The salary range in this region extends from $47,098 at the 10th percentile to $74,483 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialty certification. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. The job market in Ellensburg is supported by major employers, including corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often set competitive pay scales, attracting skilled candidates in a landscape where demand for qualified veterinary staff continues to outpace supply.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,098 | $22.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,559 | $23.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,740 | $28.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,483 | $33.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,483 | $35.81 |
Median Salary Position
19.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,385 (2026 est.). At $59,740, the local median is 19.51% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $59,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,621 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +19.51% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $59,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.51% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $62,621.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,740 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,624 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,213
2025 BLS Actual
$56,626
2026 Current Est.
$59,740
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,213 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,041 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,026 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,213 (2019) to $56,626 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,026 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,813 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $47,098 – $49,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,559 – $59,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,740 – $70,483 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,483 – $74,483 |
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 Ellensburg
Currently, there are six employed veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellensburg, presenting a niche market with room for growth. The cost of living index of 107.4 suggests that while salaries are competitive, expenses are also above the national average. Employers in this city vary in pay, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers typically offering the highest wages, particularly for those who possess the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. This premium in pay often arises from the demanding nature of specialty care and the need for advanced skills. To maximize earning potential within the Ellensburg market, techs should consider pursuing additional certifications and seek opportunities in high-demand areas such as emergency and critical care. By aligning with the more lucrative sectors and advancing their qualifications, veterinary technologists and technicians can effectively enhance their financial prospects in this evolving field.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 $56,626 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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