Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, WA: $61,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lakewood, WA earns a median $61,877/year (≈ $29.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $61,877, Lakewood, WA offers competitive compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, especially when compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary spectrum in the area ranges from $44,193 at the 10th percentile to $83,922 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse job settings available. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, indicate that positions in specialty hospitals often yield higher earnings than those in general practice clinics. This pay gradient provides insights into Lakewood's veterinary job market, highlighting the financial benefits of pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can further enhance earning potential.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,193 | $21.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,232 | $25.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,877 | $29.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,408 | $36.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,922 | $40.34 |
Median Salary Position
23.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,729 (2026 est.). At $61,877, the local median is 23.79% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $61,877/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,628 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.79% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $61,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $62,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,877 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,614 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,722
2025 BLS Actual
$58,651
2026 Current Est.
$61,877
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,886 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,337 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,059 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,722 (2019) to $58,651 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,558 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $44,193 – $52,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,232 – $61,877 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,877 – $76,408 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,408 – $83,922 |
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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, only 14 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed, highlighting a specialized workforce in this region. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, earning potential must be carefully weighed against local living expenses, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals generally offer the highest pay scales, particularly for those who have obtained Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Variations in salary also stem from corporate chain pay tiers at facilities like VCA and BluePearl, where structured increases and shift differentials at emergency facilities may further enhance income. For those in Lakewood looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay, gaining additional qualifications and seeking out specialty roles can be vital strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $58,651 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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