Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in SeaTac, WA: $61,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in SeaTac, WA earns a median $61,366/year (≈ $29.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in SeaTac's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,138 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In SeaTac, Washington, the median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to reach $61,366 in 2026, placing it significantly above the national average of $49,986 for the same year. Earnings in this field can vary widely, with salaries ranging from $46,155 at the 10th percentile to $82,180 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from comprehensive local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living. This marked pay scale reflects the influence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl on the local market, highlighting SeaTac as a competitive employment hub for veterinary professionals. The growth in this field, fueled by a rising demand for qualified staff, underscores the opportunity for those in veterinary medicine to enhance their earnings through specialization or by seeking higher-tier positions.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,155 | $22.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,766 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,366 | $29.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,889 | $34.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,180 | $39.51 |
Median Salary Position
22.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in SeaTac
In SeaTac, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,025 (2026 est.). At $61,366, the local median is 22.77% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in SeaTac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How SeaTac Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
SeaTac median: $61,366/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | SeaTac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,619 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.77% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in SeaTac, WA earn a median of $61,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $62,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
SeaTac has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
SeaTac, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,366 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,138 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,361
2025 BLS Actual
$58,167
2026 Current Est.
$61,366
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,515 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the SeaTac metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,361 (2019) to $58,167 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,380 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the SeaTac 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) | $46,155 – $49,766 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,766 – $61,366 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,366 – $71,889 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,889 – $82,180 |
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 SeaTac
Employment opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians in SeaTac are relatively limited, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. Despite this, the cost of living index in SeaTac stands at 107.4, which means that while salaries are higher than the national median, the purchasing power may be influenced by local living expenses. Corporate hospitals and specialty referral facilities, particularly those associated with well-paying chains, often offer the most competitive salaries. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the level of specialization, such as obtaining credentials in areas like emergency care or anesthesia, as well as the differences in compensation structures between general practice and specialty hospitals. Professionals seeking to maximize their earnings might consider pursuing VTS credentials or aiming for positions in corporate settings which typically provide higher base salaries, shift differentials, and team leadership opportunities. Understanding these nuances of veterinary technologist and technician pay in SeaTac WA will better equip individuals to navigate their career paths.
More salary data for SeaTac, 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 $58,167 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the SeaTac 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 SeaTac 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