Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Olympia, WA: $62,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Olympia, WA earns a median $62,519/year (≈ $30.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.7), that paycheck buys what $60,306 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median of $62,519 in 2026, showcasing a significant increase that reflects the local job market's needs and dynamics. This figure positions Olympia's compensation approximately 25.07% higher than the national median of $49,986, making the city an attractive destination for veterinary professionals. With a salary range spanning from $41,229 at the 10th percentile to $78,576 at the 90th percentile, the compensation reflects the various roles and experiences within the field. These insights are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, serving as a reliable benchmark for understanding what veterinary technologists and technicians in this city can expect in terms of pay.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,229 | $19.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,666 | $25.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,519 | $30.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,032 | $31.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,576 | $37.78 |
Median Salary Position
25.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,347 (2026 est.). At $62,519, the local median is 25.07% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be above the median
How Olympia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Olympia median: $62,519/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,645 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +25.07% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Olympia, WA earn a median of $62,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $62,645.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 3.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,519 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,306 — a 3.54% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,040
2025 BLS Actual
$59,260
2026 Current Est.
$62,519
2019–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,958 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 31.6% from $45,040 (2019) to $59,260 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,958 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,918 (46.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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) | $41,229 – $52,666 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,666 – $62,519 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,519 – $66,032 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,032 – $78,576 |
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 Olympia
The local market employs about 90 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a robust demand for these professionals amid a growing industry. Given that the cost of living index in Olympia stands at 103.67, take-home pay can be impacted significantly compared to national averages, making salary nuances critically important for financial planning. In general practice veterinary clinics, corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for positions involving specialized skills acknowledged by the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include shift differentials, the prestige of the employer, and specific specialties like emergency care and anesthesia that command higher compensation. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Olympia, pursuing advanced training, seeking roles in specialty facilities, or taking on leadership responsibilities can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Olympia, WA in 2026?
Is Olympia, WA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Olympia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Olympia?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Olympia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $59,260 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Olympia 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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