Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pasco, WA: $61,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pasco, WA earns a median $61,103/year (≈ $29.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pasco's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $56,893 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasco, Washington, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $61,103, significantly outpacing the national median of $49,986 by 22.24%. The local salary range spans from $47,308 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $81,192 at the high end (90th percentile), reflecting both the high demand for skilled professionals and the varying levels of experience available within the market. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parities emphasize how this pay scale can be influenced by the presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl that set competitive wages within the field, impacting overall compensation structures in the Pasco area.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,308 | $22.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,664 | $24.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,103 | $29.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,633 | $35.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,192 | $39.03 |
Median Salary Position
22.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
In Pasco, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,884 (2026 est.). At $61,103, the local median is 22.24% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasco Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pasco median: $61,103/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,606 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.24% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pasco, WA earn a median of $61,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.24% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $62,606.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasco has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasco, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,103 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,893 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,176
2025 BLS Actual
$57,918
2026 Current Est.
$61,103
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,046 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,468 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,464 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasco metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,176 (2019) to $57,918 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,288 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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) | $47,308 – $50,664 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,664 – $61,103 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,103 – $74,633 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,633 – $81,192 |
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 Pasco
Currently, only 18 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Pasco, indicating a concentrated job market with unique opportunities for growth. However, the cost of living index sits at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are relatively higher than the national average, the purchasing power might be limited compared to other regions. Corporate chains and specialty hospitals generally offer the finest pay scales, with opportunities for additional compensation through specialties like emergency care or anesthesia, which can lead to higher earning potential. The wide pay gap seen in the area is driven by factors such as specialty credentials, corporate pay scales, and shifts in hospital settings. Those looking to maximize their earnings in Pasco should consider pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can command pay rates exceeding $30 to $45 per hour, thereby capitalizing on the ongoing demand and shortage in the veterinary technician workforce.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 $57,918 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pasco 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 Pasco 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