Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Tumwater, WA: $63,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Tumwater, WA earns a median $63,092/year (≈ $30.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Tumwater's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $58,745 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tumwater, Washington, are notably robust, reflecting a strong local demand for this profession. By 2026, the median annual salary is estimated to be $63,092, which represents a significant 26.22% increase over the national median salary of $49,986 for the same year. Those working in Tumwater can expect salaries to range from $47,345 at the 10th percentile to $84,364 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate the growth potential in this field. As more technicians pursue specialization, particularly in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia, opportunities for higher pay become available, further enhancing Tumwater's appeal as a career destination.
About the Tumwater Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,345 | $22.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,528 | $25.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,092 | $30.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,833 | $35.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,364 | $40.56 |
Median Salary Position
26.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tumwater
In Tumwater, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,019 (2026 est.). At $63,092, the local median is 26.22% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tumwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tumwater Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Tumwater median: $63,092/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tumwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,654 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.22% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Tumwater, WA earn a median of $63,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.22% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the Washington state average of $62,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tumwater has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tumwater, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,092 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,745 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,581
2025 BLS Actual
$59,803
2026 Current Est.
$63,092
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,581 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,266 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,562 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tumwater metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,581 (2019) to $59,803 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,562 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,981 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tumwater 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) | $47,345 – $53,528 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,528 – $63,092 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,092 – $73,833 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,833 – $84,364 |
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 Tumwater
In terms of the job market, there are currently six veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Tumwater, indicating a relatively small but established group of professionals in this area. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which is above the national average, it’s essential for practitioners to consider how this impacts their take-home purchasing power. Specialty and referral hospitals typically offer higher compensation compared to general practice clinics, due to the advanced skills required and the demand for specialized care. Facilities like corporate chain hospitals often have structured pay tiers that can provide competitive salaries. To maximize earning potential, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing VTS credentials, as this specialization can command hourly rates exceeding $40. Engaging with professional organizations such as NAVTA and staying updated on industry trends can also provide valuable resources and networking opportunities essential for career advancement in Tumwater, WA.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tumwater, WA in 2026?
Is Tumwater, WA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Tumwater?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Tumwater?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Tumwater?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $59,803 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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