Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $24.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $24.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,823 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $24.70 in 2026. This rate is slightly above the national median of $24.03 per hour, positioning the city as a competitive market for these essential healthcare professionals. Part-time workers, often employed in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or university clinics, can expect to earn approximately $17.11 to $33.95 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific setting. For per-diem workers, where flexibility is essential, the hourly rate can vary significantly, providing opportunities for a better earning potential while allowing for adaptable work schedules. This flexibility is particularly appealing for those who might also engage in roles at zoo or aquarium medical units, or in pharmaceutical research animal facilities, reflecting the diverse applications of veterinary technology.
About the Winston-Salem 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) | $17.11 | $136.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.14 | $153.10 |
| Median (P50) | $24.70 | $197.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.54 | $244.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.95 | $271.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $24.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.70/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,371 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,637. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $987.90 | $4,281 | $51,371 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $592.74 | $2,569 | $30,823 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.16 | $1,712 | $20,548 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Winston-Salem) | $24.70 |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $51,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $49,593.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.70/hr = $30,823/year (purchasing power: $32,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,371/year (purchasing power: $54,883).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Winston-Salem grew 34.1% from $17.45/hr (2019) to $23.41/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.06/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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Examining part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week could realize an annual income that varies greatly from full-time counterparts. For those on per-diem or agency contracts, earnings can range widely; typically, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Winston-Salem may command between $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty techs holding VTS credentials potentially earning $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts, particularly in the demanding environment of emergency and critical care, might yield rates on the higher end of that spectrum. It’s also worth considering that employers differ in hourly pay; general practice clinics might offer lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialty facilities. While some may choose positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time employment, those prioritizing higher pay without benefits may find opportunities in shortages at emergency care and specialized clinics. In this competitive landscape, negotiating effectively for hourly labor can greatly affect overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Winston-Salem?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Winston-Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Winston-Salem?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Winston-Salem?
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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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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