Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Federal Way, WA: $62,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Federal Way, WA earns a median $62,059/year (≈ $29.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,783 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Federal Way, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $62,059, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this field show considerable variation, ranging from $46,678 at the 10th percentile to $83,715 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the differences in workplace settings and responsibilities. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the competitive nature of the job market here. Veterinary technologists and technicians may find that experience and specialization, such as working in specialty hospitals versus general practice clinics, can greatly influence earning potential and career advancement opportunities in Federal Way.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,678 | $22.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,625 | $24.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,059 | $29.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,127 | $36.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,715 | $40.25 |
Median Salary Position
24.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,037 (2026 est.). At $62,059, the local median is 24.15% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $62,059/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,623 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +24.15% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $62,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.15% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $62,623.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,059 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,783 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,851
2025 BLS Actual
$58,824
2026 Current Est.
$62,059
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,018 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,751 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,473 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,851 (2019) to $58,824 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,473 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,622 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $46,678 – $50,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,625 – $62,059 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,059 – $76,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,127 – $83,715 |
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 Federal Way
With 22 veterinary technologists and technicians employed locally, the job market in Federal Way remains vibrant despite the rising cost of living, indexed at 107.4, surpassing the national average. This higher cost of living requires professionals to strategize about maximizing their pay effectively. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics. The range in pay is driven by factors such as specialty veterinary technician credentials, including those recognized by VTS, as well as corporate pay scales and shifts in emergency care settings. Professionals looking to enhance their earnings should consider obtaining specialty certifications, exploring positions in higher-paying facilities, or negotiating shift differentials for increased compensation. Such strategies can significantly improve financial security in Federal Way, WA.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Federal Way, WA in 2026?
Is Federal Way, WA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Federal Way?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Federal Way?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Federal Way?
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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 $58,824 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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