Bellevue vs Olympia: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bellevue, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $174,612▲ | $167,714 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.95▲ | $80.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,275▲ | $99,849 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,856▲ | $125,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,503▲ | $193,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $270,648▲ | $229,361 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Olympia is $6,898 (4.11%). Bellevue's median is +27.14% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $169,373,Olympia spans $129,512. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($162,581 effective) pays 0.50% more than Olympia ($161,777 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,612/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($270,648)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,581)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bellevue grew 6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 102.7% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$155,543 (2024) → $165,415 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bellevue or Olympia?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov