Vet Tech salary

Columbia vs Easley: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Columbia, SC
$40,501
$19.48/hr
Easley, SC
$37,290
$17.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCEasley, SC
Median Salary$40,501$37,290
Hourly Rate$19.48$17.92
Entry Level (P10)$31,808$30,801
25th Percentile$37,611$31,954
75th Percentile$49,754$44,162
Top Earner (P90)$54,913$46,762
Total Employed4304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($40,501) and Easley ($37,290) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbiaEasleyMedian Salary$40,501$37,290Entry Level (P10)$31,808$30,801Top Earner (P90)$54,913$46,762US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbia and Easley is $3,211 (8.61%). Columbia's median is -18.98% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $23,105,Easley spans $15,961. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbia
P10 (Entry)$31,808
P25$37,611
Median$40,501
P75$49,754
P90 (Top)$54,913
Easley
P10 (Entry)$30,801
P25$31,954
Median$37,290
P75$44,162
P90 (Top)$46,762

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($43,242 effective) pays 6.10% more than Easley ($40,754 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $40,501
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $43,242
Easley
Nominal: $37,290
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $40,754

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbia if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,501/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,913)
  • Larger job market (430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,242)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Easley if…

  • 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 Columbia grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Easley over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+20.2%

$31,930 (2019) → $38,390 (2025)

Easley, SC

+22.5%

$28,861 (2024) → $35,346 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Columbia or Easley?

Columbia has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,501/year, compared to Easley at $37,290/year — a difference of $3,211 (8.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Easley?

Columbia veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.48/hr while Easley hygienists earn $17.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbia to Easley as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Easley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $43,242, Easley = $40,754), job availability (430 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Columbia vs Easley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,808 in Columbia and $30,801 in Easley. The Columbia 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