Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $23.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Jacksonville, NC runs $23.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Jacksonville, North Carolina, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.95, slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This compensation allows for diverse working arrangements, such as part-time and per-diem roles. For technicians working just three days a week, the financial prospects can still be appealing, particularly in settings like general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals, where they engage in crucial medical tasks. Entry-level positions start at approximately $17.76 an hour, while top earners can make up to $30.90 per hour, indicating a promising range for those entering the profession. Hourly rates are projected based on 2026 estimates derived from BLS data, reflecting the ongoing adjustment of the industry to workforce demands.
About the Jacksonville 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) | $17.76 | $142.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.27 | $154.20 |
| Median (P50) | $23.95 | $191.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.63 | $229.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.90 | $247.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $23.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $49,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,738. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $957.94 | $4,151 | $49,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.76 | $2,491 | $29,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.18 | $1,660 | $19,925 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Jacksonville) | $23.95 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $49,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $49,571.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.95/hr = $29,888/year (purchasing power: $31,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,813/year (purchasing power: $53,219).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+124.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jacksonville grew 101.6% from $11.26/hr (2019) to $22.70/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.27/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Considering part-time positions, a veterinary technologist or technician in Jacksonville working 24 hours a week could expect to take home roughly $29,810 annually, a considerable figure compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians typically command higher hourly pay, often billing between $25 and $40. For those with VTS credentials, specialty techs might earn rates from $35 to $55 per hour, especially in emergency settings, which often require weekend or overnight shifts. Variations exist across employer types, including general practices versus corporate hospitals like VCA or specialty referral facilities. While some may opt for roles that pay less per hour to secure benefits like healthcare, others prioritize immediate pay which can be negotiated based on the vibrant job market in Jacksonville, especially given the growing shortage of qualified technicians.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Jacksonville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Jacksonville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Jacksonville?
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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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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