Olympia vs Tumwater: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Olympia, WA and Tumwater, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Tumwater, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,714 | $169,250▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.64 | $81.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,849▲ | $98,164 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,046 | $136,483▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $193,597 | $208,082▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,361 | $262,337▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Tumwater, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Tumwater is $1,536 (0.92%). Tumwater's median is +23.24% 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,Tumwater spans $164,173. Tumwater 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 2.66% more than Tumwater ($157,588 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 Tumwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,250/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($262,337)
- ✓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 7.4% growth in Tumwater over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
Tumwater, WA
$149,288 (2024) → $160,335 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Tumwater, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Olympia or Tumwater?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Tumwater?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Tumwater as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Olympia vs Tumwater?
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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