Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $18.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bluffton, SC runs $18.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,660 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Bluffton, SC, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $18.96, which lags behind the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the financial landscape for those working in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and even zoo medical units. For those who opt for part-time roles, such as 24 hours a week (three days), the pay translates to a more consistent, if lower, income than full-time positions. Hourly wages for entry-level professionals start at around $14.99, while top earners in the field can command as much as $24.94. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the varied pay spectrum in Bluffton's veterinary landscape.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.99 | $119.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.86 | $126.85 |
| Median (P50) | $18.96 | $151.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.12 | $184.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $18.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.96/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $39,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,750. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $758.33 | $3,286 | $39,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.00 | $1,972 | $23,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.33 | $1,314 | $15,773 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bluffton) | $18.96 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $39,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the South Carolina state average of $40,195.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.96/hr = $23,660/year (purchasing power: $25,858).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,433/year (purchasing power: $43,097).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bluffton grew 34.1% from $13.40/hr (2019) to $17.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.00/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
When examining part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week would typically take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts—annual figures could drop drastically, impacting lifestyle choices. Per-diem work presents another avenue, with many vet techs billing between $25-$40 per hour, and those with VTS credentials can earn even higher, reaching $35-$55 for specialty roles. Weekend or overnight shifts in urgent care settings can yield rates as competitive as $30-$50 per hour, reflecting a market in need of workers. Hourly rates also fluctuate based on the type of employers—general practice setups might offer more stability while corporate chains may provide benefits. Some technicians accept lower pay for full-time positions to gain health insurance compared to higher hourly rates available through per-diem work without benefits. For those negotiating salaries in Bluffton, it’s advisable to research local rates and consider the comprehensive trade-offs of benefits versus higher pay.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bluffton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bluffton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bluffton?
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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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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