Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in University Place, WA: $61,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in University Place, WA earns a median $61,415/year (≈ $29.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in University Place, Washington, is projected to be $61,415 annually, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986. Entry-level positions may start at $46,532, while experienced professionals at the 90th percentile can earn up to $82,188. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local price parities, reflect the competitive landscape for veterinary technicians in the area. This growing market offers ample opportunities, especially for those pursuing VTS certifications in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, which can significantly elevate their earning potential and career trajectory within the veterinary field.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,532 | $22.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,866 | $23.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,415 | $29.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,097 | $34.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,188 | $39.51 |
Median Salary Position
22.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,656 (2026 est.). At $61,415, the local median is 22.86% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
University Place median: $61,415/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,604 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.86% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in University Place, WA earn a median of $61,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $62,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,415 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,183 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,396
2025 BLS Actual
$58,213
2026 Current Est.
$61,415
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,551 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,983 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,213 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,793 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,396 (2019) to $58,213 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,793 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,397 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $46,532 – $49,866 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,866 – $61,415 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,415 – $72,097 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,097 – $82,188 |
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 University Place
The local job market currently employs six veterinary technologists and technicians in University Place, indicating a niche but pivotal workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals must consider how salaries translate into actual purchasing power. Among various employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain veterinary practices tend to offer the most competitive pay, influenced by factors such as the VTS credential, shift differentials, and potential mentorship roles. The wide salary range in the area highlights an increasing demand for skilled technicians, especially as the workforce shortage intensifies. To maximize pay, candidates should focus on advancing their education and obtaining specialty certifications while seeking positions that offer benefits and growth opportunities, positioning themselves strategically within the University Place job market.
More salary data for University Place, 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 $58,213 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the University Place 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 University Place 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