Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Richland, WA: $65,772 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Richland, WA earns a median $65,772/year (≈ $31.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Richland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $61,240 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Richland, Washington, are set to earn a median annual salary of $65,772, which significantly exceeds the national median of $49,986 by approximately 31.58%. Local professionals can expect a salary range from $49,374 at the lower end (P10) to $85,458 at the upper end (P90), reflecting the diversity of experience and specialization levels in the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, which identifies Richland as a competitive market for veterinary support roles, especially amid ongoing workforce shortages that have driven up salaries in recent years. As corporate chains and specialty hospitals continue to expand, the demand for skilled veterinary staff in Richland is anticipated to grow, further enhancing employment opportunities in this sector.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,374 | $23.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,374 | $25.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,772 | $31.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,172 | $38.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,458 | $41.08 |
Median Salary Position
31.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richland
In Richland, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,084 (2026 est.). At $65,772, the local median is 31.58% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richland Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Richland median: $65,772/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,640 | +5.00% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +31.58% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Richland, WA earn a median of $65,772 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% above the Washington state average of $62,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,772 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,240 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,474
2025 BLS Actual
$62,343
2026 Current Est.
$65,772
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,488 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,772 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,389 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richland metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $46,474 (2019) to $62,343 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,915 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richland 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) | $49,374 – $53,374 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,374 – $65,772 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,772 – $79,172 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,172 – $85,458 |
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 Richland
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians comprises around 15 practitioners, indicating a relatively small yet specialized workforce. With a cost of living index of 107.4, which is above the national average, the purchasing power for Richland's veterinary professionals may be impacted despite the higher-than-average salaries. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often provide competitive pay structures, particularly for those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, which command higher salaries. Factors contributing to the salary spread in this area include the distinction between general practice and specialty environments, where specialists in emergency care and anesthesia tend to earn the most. To maximize earning potential, professionals should consider pursuing specialty certifications, seek positions in corporate or specialty practices, and negotiate for leadership or mentoring roles that typically offer enhanced compensation.
More salary data for Richland, 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 $62,343 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Richland 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 Richland 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