Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $60,414 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Moses Lake, WA earns a median $60,414/year (≈ $29.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Moses Lake's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $56,251 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Washington state average.

$60,414
Median Annual Salary
$29.04/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$49,050
Entry Level (P10)
$78,916
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Moses Lake, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Moses Lake, WA veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Moses Lake, WA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $60,414 in 2026, reflecting a notable 20.86% increase compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this role spans from $49,050 at the 10th percentile to $78,916 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local market conditions, highlight how corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl influence pay scales while serving as major employers in the area. With ongoing recruitment challenges in veterinary care, Moses Lake’s job market appears poised for continued growth, encouraging prospective technologists and technicians to consider opportunities here.

About the Moses Lake Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$49,050$23.58
Lower Range (P25)$51,520$24.77
Median (P50)(typical)$60,414$29.04
Upper Range (P75)$73,269$35.23
Top Earners (P90)$78,916$37.94

Median Salary Position

$49,050$78,916
City Median: $60,414
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

20.86% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Moses Lake. The median salary is $60,414, compared to the national median of $49,986.$44.1K$53.8K$63.5K$73.2K$82.9K$49.0K10th Pctl$51.5K25th Pctl$60.4KMedian$73.3K75th Pctl$78.9K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Moses Lake, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,866 (2026 est.). At $60,414, the local median is 20.86% above the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Moses Lake metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,162
per week
$5,034
per month
$60,412
per year

At 40 hours/week in Moses Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Moses Lake Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Moses Lake median: $60,414/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryMoses Lake Pays
Washington Average$62,605-3.50% less
National Average$49,986+20.86% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Moses Lake ($60,414) with Washington average ($62,605) and the US national median ($49,986).Moses Lake$60,414Washington Avg$62,605-3.50%US National$49,986+20.86%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $60,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $62,605.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$60,414
Nominal Salary
107.4
CoL Index
$56,251
Adjusted Salary

Moses Lake has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $60,414. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the purchasing-power equivalent is $56,251, a loss of $4,163.$42.5K$49.2K$56.0K$62.7K$69.5K$60,414NominalSalary$56,251CoL Adjusted(CoL: 107.4) -6.89%US Median $50.0K

Moses Lake, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,414 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,251 — a 6.89% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$42,688

2025 BLS Actual

$57,264

2026 Current Est.

$60,414

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Moses Lake (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Moses Lake. Baseline $42,688 in 2025, projected to $63,736 by 2027.$38.5K$45.8K$53.2K$60.6K$67.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$42.7K$43.8K$44.5K$46.2K$52.9K$51.8K$57.3K$60.4K$63.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$42,688Actual
2020$43,824Actual
2021$44,537Actual
2022$46,217Actual
2023$52,865Actual
2024$51,804Actual
2025$57,264Actual
2026(current)$60,414Estimated
2027$63,736Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moses Lake metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,688 (2019) to $57,264 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,736 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,048 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$49,050$51,520
3-5 years (Mid Career)$51,520$60,414
5+ years (Experienced)$60,414$73,269
10+ years (Top Earner)$73,269$78,916

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 Moses Lake

Employment for veterinary technologists and technicians is relatively limited in Moses Lake, with only four individuals currently filling such roles. The cost of living index here is 107.4, which is higher than the national average and suggests that locals may need to be strategic in how they manage their earnings. Among potential employers, corporate veterinary chains generally offer more competitive pay compared to general practice clinics, and those positions often come with benefits that enhance overall compensation. The variability in salary is influenced by factors such as specialty credentials (with Veterinary Technician Specialists earning more), the type of facility (specialty versus general practice), and potential for leadership or mentorship roles that can boost pay. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, obtaining a VTS credential and pursuing positions with corporate chains or referral hospitals may provide the best financial opportunities in Moses Lake’s veterinary market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Moses Lake, WA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Moses Lake is $60,414/year ($29.04/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $49,050 at entry level (10th percentile) to $78,916 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Moses Lake at 20.9% above the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Moses Lake, WA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Moses Lake veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 20.9% above the national average and 3.5% below the Washington state average. The metro area employs approximately 4 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Moses Lake?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Moses Lake is $60,414, and the 90th percentile earns $78,916. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Moses Lake?

After adjusting for Moses Lake's cost-of-living index of 107.4 (where 100 equals the national average), the $60,414 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $56,251 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Moses Lake reduce the effective value of your salary by 6.9% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Moses Lake?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Moses Lake earn a median hourly rate of $29.04, which translates to approximately $60,414/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $23.58 for entry-level positions to $37.94 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $57,264 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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