Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Salisbury, NC runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Salisbury'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
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Salisbury, North Carolina, can expect a median hourly rate of $23.42, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly pay reflects the dynamics of local employment settings, where positions are available across diverse environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital wards, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers putting in three days a week, this translates to a steady income, though it may not be enough for those seeking to maximize their earning potential through full-time roles. Entry-level positions in Salisbury start at around $17.80 per hour, while those with more experience or specialized credentials can earn upwards of $29.17 per hour, demonstrating a clear payoff for further education and VTS certification.
About the Salisbury 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) | $17.80 | $142.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.07 | $152.60 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.54 | $220.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.17 | $233.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
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 Salisbury, 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 Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| 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 (Salisbury) | $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 Salisbury, NC earn a median of $48,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $49,558.
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 Salisbury (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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
Analyzing the part-time potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week would take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. While part-time roles provide flexibility, they may yield only around half of a full-time salary, which can be appealing for those balancing other responsibilities. In contrast, per diem positions are on the rise in Salisbury and typically pay between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialty techs with VTS credentials can command pay rates of $35 to $55 per hour, particularly during high-demand shifts such as weekends or overnight emergency coverage. Different employer types also influence pay rates; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer consistent schedules and benefits, while independent clinics might provide higher hourly wages without the same level of support. Negotiation is critical in this profession; knowing the local pay scale and being prepared to discuss your qualifications can help secure a better offer.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salisbury in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salisbury?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Salisbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Salisbury?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salisbury?
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 Salisbury. 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 Salisbury 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