Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lacey, WA: $62,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lacey, WA earns a median $62,007/year (≈ $29.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lacey, Washington earn a median annual salary of $62,007, which represents a notable 24.05% increase over the national median of $49,986. The salary range typically spans from $48,564 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $85,428 for experienced professionals (90th percentile). These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data supplemented by local cost-of-living adjustments. The local job market reflects a preference for specialty hospitals, which tend to offer higher compensation compared to general practices. As Lacey continues to grow, the demand for skilled veterinary professionals will likely parallel the increasing specialization within the field.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,564 | $23.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,878 | $24.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,007 | $29.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,789 | $35.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,428 | $41.07 |
Median Salary Position
24.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,864 (2026 est.). At $62,007, the local median is 24.05% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lacey median: $62,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,633 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +24.05% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lacey, WA earn a median of $62,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.05% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% below the Washington state average of $62,633.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,007 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,735 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,814
2025 BLS Actual
$58,774
2026 Current Est.
$62,007
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,259 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,814 (2019) to $58,774 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,603 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $48,564 – $51,878 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,878 – $62,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,007 – $73,789 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,789 – $85,428 |
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 Lacey
The job market in Lacey, WA features 12 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a relatively small but stable workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, those in this profession must consider how their salaries translate into real purchasing power. Employers that typically offer the best pay in the region include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, where compensation scales can differ significantly depending on the hospital's focus. Factors contributing to disparities in salaries include advanced VTS specialty credentials, the choice between general practice and specialty settings, and the potential for higher earnings through shifts in 24-hour emergency hospitals. To maximize their pay, aspiring veterinary technologists in Lacey should consider pursuing specialty certifications and gain experience in high-demand areas, allowing them to command premium hourly rates.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 $58,774 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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