Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Vancouver, WA: $61,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Vancouver, WA earns a median $61,902/year (≈ $29.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,637 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Vancouver, WA, is projected to reach a median of $61,902, aligning closely with the growing demands of the local job market. This figure highlights a significant increase compared to the national median of $49,986, reflecting a robust 23.84% premium for professionals in this field within the region. The full salary range in Vancouver spans from $44,159 at the lower end to $86,696 among the highest earners. These estimates draw from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variances, showcasing Vancouver's standing in an evolving landscape where corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl influence pay scales. Such changes signal favorable conditions for those pursuing careers in this vital sector of animal healthcare.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,159 | $21.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,015 | $24.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,902 | $29.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,831 | $37.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,696 | $41.68 |
Median Salary Position
23.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,537 (2026 est.). At $61,902, the local median is 23.84% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $61,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,654 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +23.84% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $61,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $62,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,902 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,637 — 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
$43,740
2025 BLS Actual
$58,675
2026 Current Est.
$61,902
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,635 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $43,740 (2019) to $58,675 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,567 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $44,159 – $51,015 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,015 – $61,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,902 – $77,831 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,831 – $86,696 |
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 Vancouver
The local workforce comprises approximately 37 veterinary technologists and technicians, revealing both opportunities and competition in the job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals in Vancouver face a slightly elevated expense, which impacts their take-home purchasing power. Corporate entities such as VCA and BluePearl often offer the highest salaries, while specialty referral hospitals tend to provide competitive compensation that can enhance financial stability. The pay scale can vary significantly based on credentials and roles; for instance, those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification may command top-tier salaries, particularly in emergency or specialty practices. As demand for qualified techs grows, focusing on niche specializations and gaining experience in high-paying environments can effectively maximize earning potential in Vancouver's veterinary sector.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
Is Vancouver, WA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Vancouver?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Vancouver?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Vancouver?
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 $58,675 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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