Olympia vs Vancouver: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Olympia, WA and Vancouver, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Vancouver, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,714▲ | $139,939 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.64▲ | $67.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,849▲ | $81,164 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,046▲ | $109,595 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,597▲ | $179,122 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,361▲ | $216,905 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 37 |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vancouver.
The salary gap between Olympia and Vancouver is $27,775 (19.85%). 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,Vancouver spans $135,741. Vancouver 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 24.16% more than Vancouver ($130,297 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)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,777)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓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 -14.5% growth in Vancouver over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
Vancouver, WA
$155,025 (2024) → $132,568 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Vancouver, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Olympia or Vancouver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Vancouver?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Vancouver as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Olympia vs Vancouver?
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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