Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $25.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $25.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $25.91 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive wage offers an attractive option for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, allowing for a practical income while juggling other commitments. Per-diem opportunities are also common in this field, leading to earnings that can vary significantly based on the setting — from general practice to specialty hospitals. The hourly rates here range from $18.94 for entry-level positions to $35.68 for top earners in high-demand environments, reflecting the variety of roles available in animal medical units, teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Chapel Hill 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) | $18.94 | $151.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.64 | $165.09 |
| Median (P50) | $25.91 | $207.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.33 | $250.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.68 | $285.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $25.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $53,894 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,093. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,036.43 | $4,491 | $53,894 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.86 | $2,695 | $32,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.57 | $1,796 | $21,558 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chapel Hill) | $25.91 |
| 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 Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $53,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.82% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 8.70% above the North Carolina state average of $49,580.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.91/hr = $32,337/year (purchasing power: $34,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,894/year (purchasing power: $57,580).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chapel Hill grew 34.1% from $18.31/hr (2019) to $24.56/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.34/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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
An individual working part-time at 24 hours per week could potentially earn around $32,186 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts, but it offers flexibility that full-time positions may not. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Chapel Hill often see billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized credentials allowing for higher hourly rates up to $55, particularly in veterinary emergency and critical care settings. Different employer types can influence pay scales, with corporate practices offering steadier hours but potentially lower rates compared to specialty and research facilities that may pay a premium for specialized skills. The trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with insurance can significantly impact job choices. Negotiation strategies in Chapel Hill might focus on the value of benefits to attract candidates, especially given the rising demand for skilled veterinary personnel amid an acute workforce shortage, driving hourly rates up in a competitive market.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chapel Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chapel Hill?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chapel Hill paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chapel Hill?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chapel Hill?
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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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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