Kirkland vs Olympia: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Kirkland, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,631 | $167,714▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.11 | $80.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,645 | $99,849▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,494▲ | $125,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,221▲ | $193,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $258,278▲ | $229,361 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkland.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Olympia is $1,083 (0.65%). 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 Kirkland spans $161,633,Olympia spans $129,512. Kirkland 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, Olympia ($161,777 effective) pays 4.27% more than Kirkland ($155,150 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($258,278)
- ✓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 Kirkland grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 102.7% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$151,991 (2024) → $157,854 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Kirkland or Olympia?
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Should I relocate from Kirkland to Olympia as a veterinarian?
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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