Vet Tech salary

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

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

Columbia, SC
$40,501
$19.48/hr
Mauldin, SC
$39,568
$19.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCMauldin, SC
Median Salary$40,501$39,568
Hourly Rate$19.48$19.02
Entry Level (P10)$31,808$30,230
25th Percentile$37,611$33,843
75th Percentile$49,754$46,629
Top Earner (P90)$54,913$49,408
Total Employed4306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($40,501) and Mauldin ($39,568) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbiaMauldinMedian Salary$40,501$39,568Entry Level (P10)$31,808$30,230Top Earner (P90)$54,913$49,408US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbia and Mauldin is $933 (2.36%). 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,Mauldin spans $19,178. 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
Mauldin
P10 (Entry)$30,230
P25$33,843
Median$39,568
P75$46,629
P90 (Top)$49,408

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mauldin ($43,244 effective) pays 0.00% more than Columbia ($43,242 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $40,501
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $43,242
Mauldin
Nominal: $39,568
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $43,244

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)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Mauldin if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,244)
  • 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 Mauldin over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+20.2%

$31,930 (2019) → $38,390 (2025)

Mauldin, SC

+22.5%

$30,625 (2024) → $37,505 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbia has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,501/year, compared to Mauldin at $39,568/year — a difference of $933 (2.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Mauldin?

Columbia veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.48/hr while Mauldin hygienists earn $19.02/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Mauldin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $43,242, Mauldin = $43,244), job availability (430 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,808 in Columbia and $30,230 in Mauldin. 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