Agriculture & Environment Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Veterinary Technician Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median veterinary technician salary in Tacoma, WA is $42,075 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$42,075
vs State Avg
$-1,913
vs National
+$3,825
Cost of Living
110%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median veterinary technician salary of $42,075, which is $1,913 below the Washington state average of $43,988. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Tacoma spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $60,500 at the 90th percentile — a $30,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,900, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,300. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $31,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,900
+$2,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,900
+$3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,300
+$5,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $42,075
75th Percentile $50,600
90th Percentile $60,500

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$58,140
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$56,610
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$39,015
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$35,190
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Tacoma

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Tacoma, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Tacoma, Washington is $42,075 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $60,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,075, a veterinary technician in Tacoma earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Tacoma's median veterinary technician salary of $42,075 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $43,988. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $42,075 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Tacoma? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Tacoma require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.