Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $23.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wake Forest, NC runs $23.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,876 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, North Carolina, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $23.49, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the variety of settings in which these professionals work, including general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICU wards, and research facilities. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days per week, this pay can translate into substantial earnings. Even entry-level positions start at an hourly wage of $18.58, while top earners reach $31.77. As these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they represent a robust understanding of the economic landscape for veterinary techs in this region.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $18.58 | $148.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.26 | $154.11 |
| Median (P50) | $23.49 | $187.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.96 | $231.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.77 | $254.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $23.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $48,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,194. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.79 | $4,072 | $48,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.88 | $2,443 | $29,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.92 | $1,629 | $19,548 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wake Forest) | $23.49 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $48,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $49,570.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.49/hr = $29,322/year (purchasing power: $31,326).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,869/year (purchasing power: $52,211).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wake Forest grew 34.1% from $16.60/hr (2019) to $22.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.79/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Examining the potential earnings on a part-time basis reveals that a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week would earn an annual income that can actually become quite competitive, especially when considering the flexibility it offers compared to full-time positions. Per-diem roles can significantly boost earnings for veterinary professionals, as these workers often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, particularly in critical care or emergency settings. Specialty credentialing, like obtaining a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, can elevate hourly rates to anywhere from $35 to $55, catering to the demand in high-stress areas like overnight emergency coverage. In Wake Forest, compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer, from corporate chains to specialty hospitals or research labs. Some professionals might opt for lower-paying positions with additional benefits like health insurance, directly influencing their decision-making. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for workers in this field to emphasize their training and any specialty credentials to leverage a better hourly rate versus relying solely on experience.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wake Forest?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wake Forest?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wake Forest?
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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