Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $22.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Carrboro, NC runs $22.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,725 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carrboro, North Carolina, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is estimated to be $22.46 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $24.03. For individuals working part-time, such as those committing to a schedule of three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $27,908 annually, positioning them at a financial disadvantage compared to full-time counterparts. The hourly wage can range from $17.14 for entry-level positions to as high as $27.49 for experienced professionals or those taking roles in specialty practices. The diverse clinical environments where these technologists may find employment, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, can impact work hours and available pay, with many employers likely offering varied opportunities to enhance hourly earnings through additional shifts.
About the Carrboro 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) | $17.14 | $137.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.69 | $157.49 |
| Median (P50) | $22.46 | $179.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.19 | $209.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.49 | $219.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $22.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $46,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,953. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.44 | $3,893 | $46,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.06 | $2,336 | $28,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.38 | $1,557 | $18,688 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Carrboro) | $22.46 |
| 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 Carrboro, NC earn a median of $46,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.52% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $49,549.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.46/hr = $28,031/year (purchasing power: $29,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,719/year (purchasing power: $49,913).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carrboro grew 34.1% from $15.87/hr (2019) to $21.29/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.70/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 Carrboro 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 Carrboro
Looking at the financial dynamics for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carrboro, part-time professionals working 24-hour weeks may earn significantly less annually compared to full-time staff. For those considering per-diem work, the hourly pay can vary considerably; per diem veterinary technologists reportedly charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialists may see rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Different employer types further influence hourly compensation; general practice clinics may offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty facilities, which often pay more due to the complexity of care provided. Employees may face trade-offs when selecting hourly jobs, balancing the desire for higher rates against the benefits that come with full-time positions, such as health insurance. Negotiation strategies tailored to the local job market can also play a role; knowing the specifics of what local employers are paying can give candidates a leverage point when discussing hourly wages.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carrboro in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Carrboro?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Carrboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Carrboro?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carrboro?
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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 Carrboro. 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 Carrboro 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