Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $25.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cary, NC runs $25.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Cary, North Carolina, the median hourly pay is projected to be $25.36 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This favorable hourly rate can significantly benefit those working part-time or per-diem, particularly in environments such as general practice treatment areas and specialty hospital wards. For a part-time schedule of three days a week, earning roughly $25.36 per hour, a veterinary technician could comfortably manage their living expenses while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay varies across the spectrum, ranging from an entry-level rate of $19.61 to top earners commanding $34.88 per hour. These figures are extrapolated from annual salary datasets, providing a useful framework for understanding pay structures within this essential field.
About the Cary 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) | $19.61 | $156.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.12 | $168.97 |
| Median (P50) | $25.36 | $202.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.58 | $244.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.88 | $279.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $25.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,435. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.49 | $4,396 | $52,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.69 | $2,638 | $31,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.80 | $1,758 | $21,101 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cary) | $25.36 |
| 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 Cary, NC earn a median of $52,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.53% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% above the North Carolina state average of $49,578.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.36/hr = $31,652/year (purchasing power: $33,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,753/year (purchasing power: $56,360).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cary grew 34.1% from $17.92/hr (2019) to $24.04/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.76/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 Cary 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 Cary
In examining the earning potential for part-time workers, a veterinary technologist working 24 hours a week could see a significant disparity in take-home income compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem and agency workers commonly bill hourly rates ranging from $25 to $40, while those with VTS specialty credentials may earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts in emergency and critical care settings often pay $30 to $50 hourly, providing considerable opportunities for higher earnings. Moreover, the hourly rates can fluctuate depending on employer types in Cary, including general practice clinics and specialty hospitals. While the allure of a higher hourly pay without benefits can be tempting for some, many decide to trade off slightly lower pay for the security of health insurance associated with corporate positions. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s wise for veterinary technologists and technicians to leverage their credentials and experience, particularly in a job market increasingly influenced by the acute vet tech workforce shortage.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cary in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cary?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cary?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cary?
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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 Cary. 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 Cary 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