Olympia vs Renton: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Olympia, WA and Renton, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Renton, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,714 | $171,564▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.64 | $82.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,849▲ | $99,507 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,046 | $129,827▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $193,597 | $217,974▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,361 | $265,924▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Renton, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Renton is $3,850 (2.30%). Renton's median is +24.92% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $129,512,Renton spans $166,417. Renton 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 1.27% more than Renton ($159,743 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,777)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Renton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($171,564/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($265,924)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Olympia grew 102.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Renton over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
Renton, WA
$156,491 (2024) → $162,527 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Renton, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Olympia or Renton?
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Should I relocate from Olympia to Renton 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