Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Puyallup, WA: $59,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Puyallup, WA earns a median $59,966/year (≈ $28.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Puyallup's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $55,834 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Puyallup, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $59,966, a figure significantly above the national median of $49,986 by nearly 20%. The local salary range spans from $48,023 at the 10th percentile to $77,625 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the competencies and specializations within the field. Those seeking to earn higher wages may consider pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, which can lead to enhanced earning opportunities. It’s critical to understand these figures are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for regional cost considerations, providing an insightful look at Puyallup's job market for aspiring veterinary professionals.
About the Puyallup Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,023 | $23.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,601 | $24.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,966 | $28.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,452 | $35.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,625 | $37.32 |
Median Salary Position
19.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Puyallup
In Puyallup, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,602 (2026 est.). At $59,966, the local median is 19.97% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Puyallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Puyallup Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Puyallup median: $59,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Puyallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,595 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +19.97% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Puyallup, WA earn a median of $59,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.97% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $62,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Puyallup has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Puyallup, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,966 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,834 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,372
2025 BLS Actual
$56,840
2026 Current Est.
$59,966
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,372 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,208 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,875 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,264 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Puyallup metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,372 (2019) to $56,840 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,264 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,892 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puyallup 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) | $48,023 – $50,601 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,601 – $59,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,966 – $73,452 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,452 – $77,625 |
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 Puyallup
Currently, Puyallup employs around 10 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a niche market for these skilled individuals. The area's cost-of-living index of 107.4 suggests that while salaries are attractive, higher living expenses may impact overall purchasing power. Employers like specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains such as VCA or BluePearl tend to offer the most competitive pay in Puyallup, especially for positions requiring VTS credentials. Factors such as night shift differentials, mentorship roles, and the specific sector of employment—whether in general practice versus a specialty—can create a wide wage disparity within the field. Maximizing pay can often involve targeting roles in specialty practices or corporate chains that recognize the value of advanced credentials and experience, positioning oneself strategically for better compensation in Puyallup's veterinary job market.
More salary data for Puyallup, 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 $56,840 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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