Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $23.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Apex, NC runs $23.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,940 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex, North Carolina, are projected to earn an hourly median pay of $23.99 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This hourly figure reflects the reality for various working arrangements, including part-time and per-diem roles often found in general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even university teaching facilities. For those working three days a week, typically translating to around 24 hours, this equates to a meaningful income while allowing for a balanced schedule. Within the profession, entry-level positions can expect an hourly rate starting at $17.86, while more experienced technicians, particularly those with advanced certifications, might command rates up to $31.05, showcasing a healthy wage potential especially in a tight labor market where demand is high.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.86 | $142.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.28 | $162.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.99 | $191.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.74 | $229.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.05 | $248.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $23.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.99/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $49,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,789. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $959.63 | $4,158 | $49,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.78 | $2,495 | $29,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.85 | $1,663 | $19,960 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Apex) | $23.99 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Apex, NC earn a median of $49,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $49,562.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.99/hr = $29,940/year (purchasing power: $31,988).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,901/year (purchasing power: $53,313).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex grew 34.1% from $16.95/hr (2019) to $22.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Apex
Working part-time, a veterinary technologist or technician putting in 24 hours a week would see significantly lower annual earnings compared to a full-time schedule, making employer choice and negotiation even more crucial. For per-diem and agency roles, professionals often bill rates anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized skills such as those from VTS-credentialed techs potentially earning $35 to $55 an hour, reflecting a more lucrative niche in the field. In Apex, hourly rates can also differ by employer type; general practices may offer lower wages while specialty hospitals and corporate chains often provide better compensation with added benefits. However, making a choice often involves weighing higher hourly earnings against reliable health insurance and job security, a consideration many technicians face. As they negotiate, understanding the local pay trends and examining the nuances of each employer type can help veterinary technologists and technicians secure the best possible compensation for their skills in this evolving field.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Apex?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Apex?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Apex?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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