Vet Tech salary

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

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

Columbia, SC
$40,501
$19.48/hr
Greer, SC
$49,419
$23.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCGreer, SC
Median Salary$40,501$49,419
Hourly Rate$19.48$23.76
Entry Level (P10)$31,808$38,305
25th Percentile$37,611$40,916
75th Percentile$49,754$59,772
Top Earner (P90)$54,913$64,471
Total Employed4308
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($40,501) and Greer ($49,419) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbiaGreerMedian Salary$40,501$49,419Entry Level (P10)$31,808$38,305Top Earner (P90)$54,913$64,471US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbia and Greer is $8,918 (22.02%). Greer's median is -1.13% 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,Greer spans $26,166. Greer has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Columbia
P10 (Entry)$31,808
P25$37,611
Median$40,501
P75$49,754
P90 (Top)$54,913
Greer
P10 (Entry)$38,305
P25$40,916
Median$49,419
P75$59,772
P90 (Top)$64,471

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greer ($54,010 effective) pays 24.90% more than Columbia ($43,242 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $40,501
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $43,242
Greer
Nominal: $49,419
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $54,010

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbia if…

  • Larger job market (430 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greer if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,419/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,471)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,010)
  • 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 51.6% growth in Greer over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+20.2%

$31,930 (2019) → $38,390 (2025)

Greer, SC

+51.6%

$30,905 (2024) → $46,843 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Greer has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,419/year, compared to Columbia at $40,501/year — a difference of $8,918 (22.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Greer?

Columbia veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.48/hr while Greer hygienists earn $23.76/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Greer. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $43,242, Greer = $54,010), job availability (430 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,808 in Columbia and $38,305 in Greer. The Greer 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