Vet Tech salary

Anderson vs Charleston: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Anderson, SC
$49,370
$23.74/hr
Charleston, SC
$44,289
$21.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnderson, SCCharleston, SC
Median Salary$49,370$44,289
Hourly Rate$23.74$21.29
Entry Level (P10)$38,389$39,795
25th Percentile$40,813$40,132
75th Percentile$58,586$50,440
Top Earner (P90)$62,559$60,599
Total Employed5560
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anderson ($49,370) and Charleston ($44,289) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AndersonCharlestonMedian Salary$49,370$44,289Entry Level (P10)$38,389$39,795Top Earner (P90)$62,559$60,599US Median $49,986

Verdict

Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.

The salary gap between Anderson and Charleston is $5,081 (11.47%). Anderson's median is -1.23% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $24,170,Charleston spans $20,804. Anderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Anderson
P10 (Entry)$38,389
P25$40,813
Median$49,370
P75$58,586
P90 (Top)$62,559
Charleston
P10 (Entry)$39,795
P25$40,132
Median$44,289
P75$50,440
P90 (Top)$60,599

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Anderson ($53,956 effective) pays 23.00% more than Charleston ($43,867 effective).

Anderson
Nominal: $49,370
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $53,956
Charleston
Nominal: $44,289
CoL Index: 100.962
Adjusted: $43,867

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anderson if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,370/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,559)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,956)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Charleston if…

  • Larger job market (560 employed)
  • 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 Anderson grew 51.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Charleston over the same period.

Anderson, SC

+51.6%

$30,873 (2024) → $46,796 (2025)

Charleston, SC

+17.6%

$35,710 (2019) → $41,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Anderson or Charleston?

Anderson has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,370/year, compared to Charleston at $44,289/year — a difference of $5,081 (11.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Charleston?

Anderson veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.74/hr while Charleston hygienists earn $21.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anderson to Charleston as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anderson and Charleston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anderson = $53,956, Charleston = $43,867), job availability (5 vs 560 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Anderson vs Charleston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,389 in Anderson and $39,795 in Charleston. The Charleston 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