Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kent, WA: $62,515 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kent, WA earns a median $62,515/year (≈ $30.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kent's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $58,208 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $62,515, significantly above the national average of $49,986. This role, especially for those pursuing the VTS specialty credential in Emergency and Critical Care or anesthesia, unlocks higher earning potential, with a salary range spanning from $47,727 at the 10th percentile to $87,574 at the 90th percentile. The local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data with regional price adjustments, reflect Kent's competitive job market and evolving demand for skilled veterinary staff. Achieving VTS credentials can be particularly lucrative, as specialized skills are becoming increasingly sought after in a landscape where veterinary care continues to adapt to the needs of pet owners.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,727 | $22.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,531 | $24.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,515 | $30.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,613 | $37.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,574 | $42.11 |
Median Salary Position
25.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
In Kent, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,847 (2026 est.). At $62,515, the local median is 25.07% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kent: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kent Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kent median: $62,515/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,640 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.07% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kent, WA earn a median of $62,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $62,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kent has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kent, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,515 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,208 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,173
2025 BLS Actual
$59,256
2026 Current Est.
$62,515
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,173 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,349 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,825 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,606 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,515 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,953 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kent metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,173 (2019) to $59,256 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,953 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,780 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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) | $47,727 – $51,531 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,531 – $62,515 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,515 – $78,613 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,613 – $87,574 |
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 Kent
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kent is robust, with approximately 33 professionals currently employed in this field. However, the cost of living index, standing at 107.4, indicates that while salaries are above the national median, the purchasing power might not stretch as far as in less costly regions. Employers that offer premium pay include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and university teaching hospitals. The disparity in earnings is influenced by several factors including the VTS specialty credential, which commands higher rates, corporate pay scales that differ across organizations, and the type of veterinary practice. To maximize their salary in Kent, professionals should consider seeking VTS credentials, pursuing employment at specialty or emergency facilities, and negotiating for shift differentials or mentorship roles that command higher pay.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kent, WA in 2026?
Is Kent, WA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Kent?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Kent?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Kent?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $59,256 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kent 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 Kent 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