Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Tacoma, WA: $63,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Tacoma, WA earns a median $63,551/year (≈ $30.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $59,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, WA, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 stands at $63,551, exceeding the national median of $49,986 by over 27%. Local salaries range from $46,581 at the 10th percentile to $90,758 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a robust pay scale that is heavily influenced by corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl. These organizations typically offer higher wages compared to general practice settings, positioning Tacoma's job market as competitive for both entry-level and experienced technicians. Given the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, particularly in specialty practices, the market for veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Tacoma is favorable for those entering or progressing in their careers.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,581 | $22.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,257 | $24.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,551 | $30.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,715 | $38.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,758 | $43.63 |
Median Salary Position
27.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,177 (2026 est.). At $63,551, the local median is 27.14% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $63,551/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,612 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +27.14% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $63,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.14% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% above the Washington state average of $62,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,551 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,172 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,905
2025 BLS Actual
$60,238
2026 Current Est.
$63,551
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,388 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,046 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,905 (2019) to $60,238 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,046 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,141 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $46,581 – $51,257 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,257 – $63,551 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,551 – $80,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,715 – $90,758 |
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 Tacoma
A total of 56 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in Tacoma, reflecting a local job market that, while small, is strategic for those seeking advancement. The cost of living index here is 107.4, indicating that take-home pay might go further compared to national averages, but still requires careful financial planning. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals often provide the highest compensation, especially for those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in fields like emergency care or anesthesia. The disparities in pay can be attributed to various factors, including experience level, type of practice, and additional responsibilities such as mentorship roles or shift differentials in 24-hour emergency settings. To maximize earnings in Tacoma, technicians should consider pursuing specialty credentials and seeking employment with corporate chains or specialty hospitals, where the pay potential is significantly greater.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $60,238 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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