Vet Tech salary

Aiken vs Greenville: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Aiken, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aiken, SC
$39,858
$19.16/hr
Greenville, SC
$48,256
$23.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAiken, SCGreenville, SC
Median Salary$39,858$48,256
Hourly Rate$19.16$23.20
Entry Level (P10)$30,941$38,307
25th Percentile$32,911$38,803
75th Percentile$48,121$64,798
Top Earner (P90)$51,855$69,577
Total Employed4520
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aiken ($39,858) and Greenville ($48,256) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AikenGreenvilleMedian Salary$39,858$48,256Entry Level (P10)$30,941$38,307Top Earner (P90)$51,855$69,577US Median $49,986

Verdict

Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.

The salary gap between Aiken and Greenville is $8,398 (21.07%). Greenville's median is -3.46% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $20,914,Greenville spans $31,270. Greenville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Aiken
P10 (Entry)$30,941
P25$32,911
Median$39,858
P75$48,121
P90 (Top)$51,855
Greenville
P10 (Entry)$38,307
P25$38,803
Median$48,256
P75$64,798
P90 (Top)$69,577

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenville ($51,744 effective) pays 18.78% more than Aiken ($43,561 effective).

Aiken
Nominal: $39,858
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $43,561
Greenville
Nominal: $48,256
CoL Index: 93.26
Adjusted: $51,744

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aiken if…

  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greenville if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,256/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($69,577)
  • Larger job market (520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,744)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Aiken grew 22.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Greenville over the same period.

Aiken, SC

+22.5%

$30,849 (2024) → $37,780 (2025)

Greenville, SC

+32.2%

$34,610 (2019) → $45,740 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Aiken or Greenville?

Greenville has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,256/year, compared to Aiken at $39,858/year — a difference of $8,398 (21.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Greenville?

Aiken veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.16/hr while Greenville hygienists earn $23.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aiken to Greenville as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aiken and Greenville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aiken = $43,561, Greenville = $51,744), job availability (4 vs 520 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Aiken vs Greenville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,941 in Aiken and $38,307 in Greenville. The Greenville area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov