Olympia vs Spokane: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Olympia, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,714▲ | $160,261 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.64▲ | $77.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,849▲ | $96,672 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,046▲ | $115,039 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,597▲ | $179,800 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,361▲ | $223,207 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Olympia and Spokane is $7,453 (4.65%). 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 Olympia spans $129,512,Spokane spans $126,535. Olympia 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 1.30% more than Spokane ($159,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,714/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,361)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,777)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓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 55.5% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$97,620 (2019) → $151,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Olympia or Spokane?
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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