Veterinary Technician in Everett, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you're making a decision. As a Veterinary Technician in Everett, WA, your earning potential is a key part of the equation. The median salary here is $44,406/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.35/hour. For context, you should know that the national average for this role sits at $42,740/year. So, Everett pays slightly above the national median, which is a good starting point. However, the cost of living in the Seattle metro area, which Everett is a part of, is a significant factor we'll unpack later.

The job market itself is promising. There are approximately 222 jobs for Veterinary Technicians in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a robust 20%. This indicates a healthy demand for skilled techs, which can give you some leverage in negotiations and job security over the long term.

Your experience level will be the biggest driver of your individual salary. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn in Everett based on your years in the field:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $42,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$44,000 - $50,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$50,000 - $58,000
Expert/Specialist	10+ years / Specialty Certified	$58,000 - $65,000+

When you compare Everett to other cities in Washington, the picture gets interesting. The Seattle metro area drives the state's higher averages, but Everett offers a specific value proposition. It's more affordable than Seattle or Bellevue, yet it's close enough to access the higher-paying specialty and emergency hospitals in the broader region. For instance, a tech working at a high-volume emergency clinic in Seattle might earn closer to $50,000 at the mid-level, but their rent could be 30% higher. Everett provides a balance, with salaries that are competitive for the region without the extreme cost of living found in the city center.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many clinics in Everett and the surrounding area offer shift differentials for evenings, weekends, and on-call hours. This can add $1.50 to $3.00 per hour to your base pay, significantly boosting your annual income, especially if you're willing to work non-traditional hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $44,406 is a gross figure. To understand your real financial picture in Everett, we need to look at take-home pay after taxes and major expenses. Let's run the numbers for a single filer with no dependents (for simplicity; your actual take-home will vary).

• Gross Annual Salary: $44,406
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $3,700
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes): Approximately $2,900 - $3,100/month. (This is an estimate; use a WA-specific paycheck calculator for precision).

Now, let's factor in the biggest local expense: rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Everett is $1,864/month. This gives us a monthly budget breakdown:

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,000	Based on median salary
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	62% of take-home pay
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Can be lower in summer
Groceries	$350	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400	Everett is car-dependent
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$200	Varies by employer
Remaining Funds	-$14	This is tight.

As you can see, the numbers are challenging. With the median salary, a single person would be spending over 60% of their income on rent alone, leaving very little for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. This is the "rent burden" many face in the Puget Sound region.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median salary of $44,406, buying a home in Everett is not feasible under current market conditions. The median home price in Everett is well over $500,000. Lenders typically recommend a housing payment (including mortgage, taxes, insurance) that does not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. For a $44,406 salary, that's about $1,036/month, which would only cover a very small portion of a mortgage at today's interest rates. Homeownership in Everett for a single Veterinary Technician on this salary would require a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or moving further out to more affordable suburbs.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett's veterinary job market is concentrated in a few key areas: general practice, emergency/specialty, and corporate-owned clinics. Networking within these circles is crucial. Here are the major local employers and what you need to know about them:

1. Pacific Northwest Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (PNVESH): Located in nearby Tukwila, this is a major 24/7 emergency and specialty center that many Everett techs commute to. It's a high-stress, fast-paced environment that pays at the higher end of the scale, especially for overnight shifts. They invest in continuing education and often have openings for experienced techs.
2. VCA Animal Hospitals: VCA has a strong presence in the area, with clinics in Everett (e.g., VCA Broadway Animal Hospital). Corporate clinics often offer structured benefits, clear advancement paths, and tuition reimbursement for certified techs. Hiring is consistent, and they are a good place for mid-level techs to gain experience.
3. Banfield Pet Hospital: Another large corporate chain with locations in Everett (e.g., inside the PetSmart on Evergreen Way). Banfield is known for its Optimum Wellness Plans. The pace can be high-volume, but it's an excellent place to sharpen your skills in preventive care and client communication. They actively recruit and train new graduates.
4. The Everett Animal Shelter & Control: This is a public-sector employer. The work involves caring for shelter animals, assisting with spay/neuter clinics, and public education. Pay may be slightly below the private sector median, but benefits are often excellent (pension, healthcare). It's a great path for those passionate about shelter medicine.
5. Local Private General Practices: There are numerous independent clinics throughout Everett, such as Cascade Veterinary Clinic in north Everett or All Pets Veterinary Hospital in the Silver Lake area. These clinics often have a loyal client base and a family-like atmosphere. Hiring can be less formal—often through word-of-mouth or local job boards like the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) website.
6. Corporate Retail Clinics (e.g., inside Petco): These are growing in number and offer a different pace, focusing on low-cost vaccinations and basic care. They are often a good entry point for new techs or those looking for part-time work.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent demand for certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) in Everett. Clinics are struggling to fill positions, especially for overnight and weekend shifts. If you have your CVT license (or are eligible to sit for the exam), you are a highly desirable candidate. Many employers are also looking for techs with experience in dentistry, radiology, or anesthesia.

Insider Tip: Join the Everett Area Veterinary Technicians Facebook group. It's an informal network where clinic managers and techs post job openings before they hit major job boards. It's also a great place to ask for advice on specific clinics.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State requires Veterinary Technicians to be licensed. The title is "Licensed Veterinary Technician" (LVT). Here’s the process:

1. Education: You must graduate from a AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program. This is typically a 2-year associate's degree.
2. National Exam: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The exam fee is approximately $300.
3. State Exam: Pass the Washington State Veterinary Technician Exam (WAVTE). The fee is approximately $150.
4. Application: Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Health, Veterinary Medicine Board. There is an application fee of $245.

Total Estimated Cost (excluding tuition): $695 for exams and licensing fees. You must also complete a background check, which has an additional fee.

Timeline: If you are a recent graduate, you can expect the entire process to take 3-6 months after graduation. This includes time to study for and take the exams, and for the state to process your application. It's critical to start this process before you move, as employers will prioritize candidates who are already licensed or in the final stages.

Continuing Education: Once licensed, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license. Many employers in Everett offer stipends or paid time off for CE.

Best Neighborhoods for Veterinary Technicians

Where you live in Everett will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods to consider, keeping the $1,864/month average rent in mind.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
North Everett	Historic, walkable, near the waterfront and downtown. Commute to clinics in north Everett is easy. Can be pricier.	$1,900 - $2,200	Those who want a more urban feel with access to restaurants and parks.
Silver Lake	Family-friendly, suburban feel. Good access to I-5 and I-405. Near several vet clinics and the Silver Lake park.	$1,700 - $1,950	Techs who want a quieter, residential area with good amenities.
South Everett / Airport Area	More affordable, diverse, and close to the airport (Paine Field). Commute is easy via highways.	$1,500 - $1,800	Budget-conscious techs who prioritize affordability and don't mind a less polished area.
Mill Creek	A planned community with a "town center," very clean and safe. Rents are higher, but quality of life is high. A short drive to clinics in Everett and Lynnwood.	$2,000 - $2,400+	Those with a higher budget seeking a very safe, family-oriented environment.

Insider Tip: If you work late shifts, proximity to the hospital is key. Look for apartments in North Everett or Silver Lake to minimize your commute home after a long overnight shift. Safety and a short drive are worth the extra $100-200 in rent for many night-shift workers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as an LVT in Everett has multiple paths for advancement beyond general practice.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining a specialty credential can boost your salary by $5,000-$10,000+. The most common in this region are:
  • VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist): In areas like Emergency & Critical Care, Anesthesia, or Internal Medicine. Requires advanced training and a rigorous exam.
  • Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP): Growing field with opportunities in physical therapy clinics.
  • Dental Technician Certification: Many general practices and specialty hospitals value techs with advanced dental skills.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Management: Move into a Head LVT or Practice Manager role. This often involves business and leadership training.
  • Education: Become a technical instructor at a local VT program (like at the Seattle Central College program, which serves the area).
  • Industry/Veterinary Sales: Use your clinical knowledge to move into sales for veterinary pharmaceutical or equipment companies. This can be a lucrative path.
  • Non-Clinical Roles: Opportunities in veterinary insurance, animal control administration, or research institutions.

10-Year Outlook (based on 20% job growth): The demand for LVTs in Everett will remain strong. The growing pet population and increased use of advanced medical care in veterinary medicine will fuel this. However, wages may not keep pace with housing costs, making it essential to specialize or move into leadership to achieve financial stability. The techs who will thrive are those who invest in CE, build a strong network, and are willing to work in high-demand areas like emergency medicine.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Making the move to Everett for a veterinary career is a decision with clear trade-offs. Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong job market with 20% growth and 222 available positions.	Rent burden is high. Spending 60%+ of income on a median salary is unsustainable long-term.
Slightly above-average national salary ($44,406 vs. $42,740).	High cost of living index (113.0) erodes purchasing power.
Access to specialty and emergency hospitals for career advancement.	Traffic on I-5 can be challenging during commutes.
Proximity to Seattle/Bellevue for higher-paying opportunities if willing to commute.	Homeownership is out of reach on a single median salary.
Diverse employer types (corporate, private, shelter) for varied experience.	Weather (gray, rainy) can be a downside for some.

Final Recommendation: Everett is a viable, but challenging, launchpad for a Veterinary Technician, particularly for those in the mid-to-senior career stage or with a dual income. If you are a new graduate, you may find it hard to get started financially on your own. However, if you can secure a position at a higher-paying specialty hospital, share housing costs, or are willing to commute from a more affordable suburb, the strong job market and career growth potential make Everett a solid choice. For those seeking to buy a home or build significant savings, you will likely need to look further east (e.g., towards the Cascade foothills) or consider a career path that leads to a salary well above the median.

FAQs

1. Is it worth getting my LVT license if I'm moving to Everett?
Absolutely. Washington is a licensed state, and having your LVT credential will open more doors and lead to higher pay. Employers in Everett actively seek licensed technicians. It's a prerequisite for most desirable positions.

2. How do I find an apartment in Everett on a tech's salary?
Consider having a roommate to split the cost of a 2BR apartment. Look in South Everett or the Airport area for more affordable rents. Be prepared to act quickly—good apartments go fast. Use local Facebook housing groups for leads.

3. What's the commute like from Everett to Seattle for a higher-paying job?
It's a common commute. Using I-5, it can take 30-60 minutes each way, depending on traffic. Many techs do this to access the higher salaries at Seattle-area specialty hospitals. The Sounder train is also an option for commuting to downtown Seattle.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time work as a vet tech in Everett?
Yes. Corporate clinics (Banfield, VCA) and some private practices often have part-time openings, especially for weekends or evenings. This can be a good way to supplement income or gain experience before committing to a full-time role.

5. What's the best way to network with other vet techs in the area?
Join the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) as an associate member. Attend their annual conference or local events. Also, use the Everett Area Veterinary Technicians Facebook group and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Personal referrals are powerful in this community.