Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $59,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Walla Walla, WA earns a median $59,446/year (≈ $28.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Walla Walla's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $55,350 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Walla Walla, WA, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $59,446 in 2026, reflecting a notable 18.93% increase over the national median of $49,986. The full salary range for this role spans from $46,766 at the 10th percentile to $75,817 at the 90th percentile, emphasizing the potential for higher earnings depending on experience and specialization. The local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight Walla Walla’s competitive position in the veterinary job market. The increasing demand for professionals with VTS credentials, especially in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, will likely bolster salaries further as healthcare facilities seek to attract qualified specialists.
About the Walla Walla Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,766 | $22.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,542 | $23.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,446 | $28.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,022 | $34.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,817 | $36.45 |
Median Salary Position
18.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Walla Walla
In Walla Walla, WA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,051 (2026 est.). At $59,446, the local median is 18.93% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Walla Walla: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Walla Walla Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Walla Walla median: $59,446/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Walla Walla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,641 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +18.93% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $59,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $62,641.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Walla Walla has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Walla Walla, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,446 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,350 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,005
2025 BLS Actual
$56,347
2026 Current Est.
$59,446
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,005 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,122 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,018 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,716 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Walla Walla metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $42,005 (2019) to $56,347 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,716 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,711 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Walla Walla 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) | $46,766 – $49,542 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,542 – $59,446 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,446 – $71,022 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,022 – $75,817 |
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 Walla Walla
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Walla Walla is currently modest, with only six professionals employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power is slightly below average when adjusted for living expenses. Employers in Walla Walla that typically offer the highest pay include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, where shifts and roles that require advanced specialty credentials command a premium. Factors influencing the salary range include the type of veterinary practice, experience level, and demand for specialized skills, exemplified by the higher compensation offered at 24-hour emergency clinics. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on obtaining a VTS credential and gaining experience in high-demand areas like emergency care or anesthesia can significantly enhance career prospects and increase pay scales in this evolving market.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Walla Walla, WA in 2026?
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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 $56,347 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla 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