Seattle vs Olympia: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Seattle, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,918▲ | $167,714 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.14▲ | $80.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,779▲ | $99,849 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,099▲ | $125,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,231▲ | $193,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $289,266▲ | $229,361 |
| Total Employed | 1,330▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Seattle and Olympia is $5,204 (3.10%). Seattle's median is +25.91% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $184,487,Olympia spans $129,512. Seattle 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 3.97% more than Seattle ($155,596 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,918/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($289,266)
- ✓Larger job market (1,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓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 Seattle grew 69.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 102.7% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$96,460 (2019) → $163,810 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$78,380 (2019) → $158,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Seattle or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Olympia as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Seattle vs Olympia?
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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