Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fuquay-Varina, NC runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fuquay-Varina's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, the projected median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 stands at $23.42, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This pay structure is significant for part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, as it allows for a steady income while supporting various veterinary settings like general practices, specialty hospitals, and even research facilities. Hourly wages for entry-level staff start around $17.84, while top earners can make up to $29.23 per hour, reflecting the wide range of experience and specialization within the field. It’s essential for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians to be equipped with an understanding of the financial landscape in their area, given that their hourly pay will directly impact their quality of life and job satisfaction.
About the Fuquay-Varina 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) | $17.84 | $142.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.99 | $159.94 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.52 | $220.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.23 | $233.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fuquay-Varina
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fuquay-Varina, NC can expect to earn approximately $48,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,105. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fuquay-Varina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fuquay-Varina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.84 | $4,060 | $48,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.10 | $2,436 | $29,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.74 | $1,624 | $19,486 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fuquay-Varina) | $23.42 |
| 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $48,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.52% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $49,567.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,229/year (purchasing power: $31,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,716/year (purchasing power: $52,047).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fuquay-Varina grew 34.1% from $16.55/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.71/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 Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can vary significantly, especially when comparing those who work 24-hour weeks to full-time counterparts. For example, part-time workers earning $23.42 per hour would roughly take home around $29,000 annually, considerably less than a full-time position. On the other hand, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fuquay-Varina can also create lucrative opportunities, as these professionals often bill rates between $25 and $40 per hour. Additionally, VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can command between $35 and $55 per hour, while emergency and critical care work could yield $30-$50 per hour. Different employer types also influence pay structures, with corporate chain hospitals often providing health benefits in exchange for slightly lower hourly rates. Understanding the trade-off between benefits and higher pay is crucial for many in the field, alongside leveraging negotiation tactics that reflect the competitive nature of the veterinary landscape in Fuquay-Varina.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fuquay-Varina in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fuquay-Varina?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fuquay-Varina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fuquay-Varina?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fuquay-Varina?
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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 Fuquay-Varina. 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 Fuquay-Varina 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