Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $22.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Garner, NC runs $22.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garner, North Carolina, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is positioned at a median rate of $22.86, which falls below the national median of $24.03. For those considering part-time opportunities, like working three days a week, this rate can enable a balanced income while still allowing for personal or educational pursuits, especially in diverse settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and research facilities. Entry-level workers can expect to earn around $18.28 per hour, while top earners in the profession may command up to $30.49. These hourly rates provide insight into the compensation landscape that veterinary professionals experience, with figures derived from expected annual salary data reflecting the unique demands of the veterinary field.
About the Garner 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) | $18.28 | $146.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.35 | $154.79 |
| Median (P50) | $22.86 | $182.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.05 | $224.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $22.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.86/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $47,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,434. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.47 | $3,963 | $47,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.68 | $2,378 | $28,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.79 | $1,585 | $19,021 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Garner) | $22.86 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $47,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $49,592.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.86/hr = $28,532/year (purchasing power: $30,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,553/year (purchasing power: $50,804).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garner grew 34.1% from $16.15/hr (2019) to $21.67/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.12/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 Garner 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 Garner
Hourly earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can differ significantly when compared to full-time positions. A worker clocking in 24 hours a week at the median rate could net about $28,192 annually, which can be appealing for those balancing multiple commitments. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay often ranges between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized technicians—such as those with the VTS credential—potentially earning up to $55 for specific roles or urgent coverage shifts in overcrowded emergency settings. The type of employer further influences earnings; general clinics typically offer less than corporate chains and specialized hospitals, which can provide more robust benefits that might justify a slightly lower hourly wage. When negotiating compensation, especially in Garner's diverse veterinary market, it’s advantageous to weigh the hourly rate against the total compensation package, including benefits, to make informed decisions that align with career goals.
More salary data for Garner, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garner in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Garner?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Garner paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Garner?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Garner?
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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 Garner. 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 Garner 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