Vet tech salary in Washington
Vet techs in Washington earned a median of $59,740 a year in May 2025, about $28.72 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 26% above the U.S. median of $47,380. Eight in ten earned between $46,390 (10th percentile) and $77,300 (90th percentile).
Vet tech pay in Washington
| Level | A year | An hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,390 | $22.30 |
| Median | $59,740 | $28.72 |
| 90th percentile | $77,300 | $37.16 |
Washington ranks 3 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by median vet tech pay. About 2,290 vet techs worked in Washington. BLS reports veterinary technologists (usually a four-year degree) and technicians (usually a two-year degree) as one group.
Jobs in Washington
Browse veterinary jobs in Washington, with pay shown when the employer states it.
Other veterinary roles in Washington
| Role | Median a year | Median an hour | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet tech | $59,740 | $28.72 | $47,380 |
| Vet assistant | $44,150 | $21.23 | $38,150 |
| Veterinarian | $160,510 | $77.17 | $130,100 |
The credential in Washington
Title: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). Required to work as a tech: Yes, with conditions. Full rules: how to become a vet tech in Washington. Training: vet tech schools in Washington.
FAQ
How much does a vet tech make in Washington?
The median was $59,740 a year in May 2025 (BLS), 26% above the U.S. median of $47,380.
How much does a vet tech make an hour in Washington?
About $28.72 an hour at the median, from the BLS yearly figure of $59,740 divided by 2,080 hours.
How does Washington rank for vet tech pay?
Washington ranks 3 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by BLS median pay. The highest medians were District of Columbia ($61,270), California ($60,630), Washington ($59,740).
Do you need a license to be a vet tech in Washington?
Yes, with conditions. Only LVTs may present themselves as vet techs or do LVT-only tasks such as inducing anesthesia. See the Washington guide.
Figures are BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for May 2025, the latest release, for wage and salary workers (the self-employed are not included). The median is the middle wage: half earned more, half earned less. Hourly figures are the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours, the way BLS converts between the two. Retrieved from the BLS Public Data API on November 5, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, veterinary technologists and technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS state estimates (Public Data API)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
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