Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $60,569 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lake Stevens, WA earns a median $60,569/year (≈ $29.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lake Stevens's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $56,396 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Stevens, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median of $60,569 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $49,986. The local salary range for these professionals stretches from $49,240 at the 10th percentile to $75,839 at the 90th percentile, reaffirming the potential for varied earnings based on experience and specialization. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl set competitive pay scales, positioning Lake Stevens as a promising market for those in the veterinary field, especially considering the rising demand for veterinary services during the ongoing workforce shortage.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,240 | $23.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,842 | $24.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,569 | $29.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,321 | $34.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,839 | $36.46 |
Median Salary Position
21.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,599 (2026 est.). At $60,569, the local median is 21.17% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Stevens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Stevens Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lake Stevens median: $60,569/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Stevens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,636 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +21.17% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $60,569 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.17% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $62,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Stevens has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Stevens, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,569 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,396 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,798
2025 BLS Actual
$57,411
2026 Current Est.
$60,569
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,798 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,652 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,569 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,900 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,798 (2019) to $57,411 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,900 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,102 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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) | $49,240 – $51,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,842 – $60,569 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,569 – $71,321 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,321 – $75,839 |
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 Lake Stevens
Looking at the local job market, there are currently nine veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Lake Stevens, reflecting the limited but established presence of these professionals in the area. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries may be higher than the national average, they are tempered by elevated living expenses. Corporate veterinary hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, especially for specialized roles such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) and those in 24-hour emergency care settings. This disparity in compensation arises from factors including specialty credentials, corporate pay scale tiers, and the differing nature of general practice versus specialty hospitals. To optimize their earnings, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake Stevens should pursue VTS certifications and consider employment at corporate chains or specialty referral hospitals, where compensation tends to be more lucrative.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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 $57,411 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens 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