Bellingham vs Olympia: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bellingham, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,087 | $167,714▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $76.00 | $80.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,054▲ | $99,849 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,630▲ | $125,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,604 | $193,597▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $232,338▲ | $229,361 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Olympia is $9,627 (6.09%). Olympia's median is +22.12% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $123,284,Olympia spans $129,512. Olympia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($161,777 effective) pays 5.75% more than Bellingham ($152,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,338)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,714/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,777)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bellingham grew 56.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 102.7% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$95,980 (2019) → $149,760 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bellingham or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Olympia as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bellingham vs Olympia?
Related Comparisons
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