Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Leland, NC: $22.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Leland, NC runs $22.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Leland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Leland, NC, can expect a median hourly pay of $22.13, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity may influence those considering part-time positions, where working three days a week typically nets around $26,000 annually. For per-diem workers in this profession, the hourly rate often varies depending on the setting. Those engaged in general practice treatment areas may start at around $18.31, while specialists in intensive care units or university teaching hospitals often see higher hourly earnings. The pay range for this field in Leland indicates entry-level positions might earn $18.31 per hour, while seasoned professionals could reach $27.79, demonstrating robust potential for career advancement.
About the Leland 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) | $18.31 | $146.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Median (P50) | $22.13 | $177.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.70 | $213.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.79 | $222.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leland
Based on $22.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.13/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leland, NC can expect to earn approximately $46,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,561. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $885.36 | $3,837 | $46,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $531.21 | $2,302 | $27,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.14 | $1,535 | $18,415 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Leland) | $22.13 |
| 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 Leland, NC earn a median of $46,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.90% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $49,553.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.13/hr = $27,623/year (purchasing power: $29,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,039/year (purchasing power: $49,186).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Leland grew 34.1% from $15.64/hr (2019) to $20.98/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.35/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 Leland 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 Leland
Focusing on part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working a 24-hour week might take home roughly $27,253 annually, compared to a full-time position that allows for significantly larger earnings. For those considering agency or per-diem work, a common situation in Leland, they'll find that per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay can reach between $25-$40 per hour, and VTS-credentialed specialists often command $35-$55 hourly. Employment variability across types of facilities impacts pay; general practice clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers often have more competitive compensation. When evaluating options, many technicians accept lower hourly rates for employers offering benefits like health insurance. For negotiation, understanding local pay scales and building a network can provide leverage in salary discussions, especially in an environment where the workforce shortage is acute and demand is high.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Leland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Leland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Leland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Leland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Leland?
Related Pages
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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 Leland. 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 Leland 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