Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $57,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Mountlake Terrace, WA earns a median $57,974/year (≈ $27.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Mountlake Terrace's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $53,980 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $57,974. This figure indicates a competitive pay scale compared to the national median of $49,986, representing a significant increase of nearly 16%. Salaries typically range from $47,680 at the lowest decile to $74,461 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, reflect the strengthened demand for skilled professionals within this sector. For those pursuing specialty credentials such as VTS in emergency critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, opportunities for increased earnings abound in Mountlake Terrace, significantly impacting job prospects and market compensation.
About the Mountlake Terrace Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,680 | $22.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,528 | $23.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,974 | $27.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,749 | $33.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,461 | $35.80 |
Median Salary Position
15.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mountlake Terrace
In Mountlake Terrace, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,781 (2026 est.). At $57,974, the local median is 15.98% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mountlake Terrace: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mountlake Terrace Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Mountlake Terrace median: $57,974/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mountlake Terrace Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,607 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +15.98% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $57,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.98% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $62,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mountlake Terrace has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mountlake Terrace, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,974 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,980 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,965
2025 BLS Actual
$54,952
2026 Current Est.
$57,974
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mountlake Terrace (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,055 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,351 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,713 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,952 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mountlake Terrace metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $40,965 (2019) to $54,952 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,198 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mountlake Terrace 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) | $47,680 – $49,528 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,528 – $57,974 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,974 – $69,749 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,749 – $74,461 |
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 Mountlake Terrace
Currently, there are only four veterinary technologists and technicians working in Mountlake Terrace, underscoring the niche job market in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that everyday expenses are slightly above the national average, which can affect purchasing power for those in the profession. General practice veterinary clinics typically offer lower wages compared to corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities, which often provide higher salaries due to the complexity of the cases handled. Factors such as VTS specialty credentials, corporate pay scales, and the demand for lead or mentor roles contribute to the wide salary disparities in the region. To maximize earnings, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should focus on gaining pertinent experience, pursuing specialization, and seeking employment with corporate entities or specialty practices where the highest pay differentials exist.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Mountlake Terrace, WA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Mountlake Terrace?
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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 $54,952 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace 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