Senior Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Camas, WA: $78,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinary technologists and technicians working in Camas, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,007/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2056. Strip back Camas's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $72,632 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, top earners for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians in Camas can expect an impressive annual salary of $78,007, with a significant portion of professionals making around $72,168. This high level of compensation is a reflection of the specialized skills and extensive experience required to reach such heights within the profession. The gap between the median annual salary of $59,427 and the peak earnings showcases the premium that expertise holds in this market. To position oneself for this top-tier pay, candidates often need to pursue advanced certifications, such as becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist in fields like emergency and critical care, as well as accumulate substantial hands-on experience. Comparatively, the potential for above-average earnings in Camas stands out against a national context where the median salary rests at $49,986, highlighting the increased earning potential for those with the right qualifications and experience in Washington.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Experienced veterinary technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Camas earn between $72,168 and $78,007 per year (2026 est.). This $31,537 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Camas median of $59,427 sits 18.89% above the US median.
Top Vet Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Camas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,427 | $49,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,168 | $60,821 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,007 | $66,655 |
In Camas, experienced veterinary technologists and technicians (P90) earn 31.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay in Camas
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA veterinary technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary technology field earn significantly above the $59,427 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Camas employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary technology field in Camas command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,168–$78,007 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Camas metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinary technologists and technicians in Camas with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Camas
Clinical Veterinary Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinary Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsVeterinary Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCamas ranks #36 of 49 Washington cities for top earner veterinary technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $78,007).
Top 10% veterinary technologist and technician compensation in Camas ($78,007) is 3.92% below the Washington average P90 ($81,194).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,955
2025 BLS Actual
$73,940
2026 Current Est.
$78,007
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,992 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,297 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinary technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Camas saw their compensation grow 23.3% from $59,955 in 2019 to $73,940 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $82,297 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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.
Maximizing Your Veterinary Technologist and Technician Earnings in Camas
Salary differentiation among senior veterinary technologists and technicians in Camas also hinges on specialization and employer type. Professionals pursuing advanced credentials in high-demand areas—such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC), anesthetics (VTS-AA), or oncology (VTS-Oncology)—often see superior compensation compared to their peers. Additionally, compensation varies significantly based on the nature of the practice; those employed by specialty referral hospitals typically enjoy higher salaries than those in general veterinary clinics. Leadership roles, such as head technician or VTS specialty credentialed positions, offer avenues for further professional growth and salary enhancement. Obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited institution, completing the VTNE, and achieving a state credential, like CVT or RVT, are critical steps to advancing within this role. Non-salary compensation factors, including mentoring opportunities and shift differentials in 24-hour emergency settings, further contribute to the overall appeal of senior veterinary technologist and technician pay in WA.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinary technologists and technicians make in Camas in 2026?
What drives higher veterinary technologist and technician pay in Camas?
What certifications boost veterinary technologist and technician salary in Camas?
Can experienced veterinary technologists and technicians make six figures in Camas?
How much does veterinary technologist and technician salary increase over time in Camas?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $73,940 for veterinary technologists and technicians in the Camas metro area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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