Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $21.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Charleston, SC runs $21.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,570 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Charleston, South Carolina, can expect a median hourly rate of $21.29 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $24.03, indicating that local professionals might earn less compared to peers across the country. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this wage translates to approximately $1,021 weekly before taxes, making it a viable option for individuals seeking flexible schedules. Additionally, the hourly pay range in Charleston spans from $19.14 for entry-level positions to $29.14 for highly experienced technicians. This data is drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflects the hourly nature of most positions within veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals, as well as per-diem roles in more intensive settings like emergency care.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.14 | $153.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.30 | $154.37 |
| Median (P50) | $21.29 | $170.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.25 | $194.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.14 | $233.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $21.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.29/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $44,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,548. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $851.60 | $3,690 | $44,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.96 | $2,214 | $26,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.64 | $1,476 | $17,713 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Charleston) | $21.29 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $44,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 10.20% above the South Carolina state average of $40,190.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.29/hr = $26,570/year (purchasing power: $26,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,283/year (purchasing power: $43,861).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Charleston grew 17.5% from $17.17/hr (2019) to $20.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.46/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that those working 24 hours weekly would take home around $53,100 annually, which is quite respectable, though far from the earnings of full-time peers. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Charleston shows considerable variation, with rates often between $25 and $40 per hour. Specialized veterinary technicians, such as those who are VTS-credentialed, can command hourly rates reaching up to $55. Different employer types also contribute to disparities in pay; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may have different pay scales compared to independent practices or research facilities. While many veterinary technologists may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates because of benefits like health insurance, those without benefits often try to negotiate higher pay. It's crucial for professionals engaged in the field to understand the local job market and employer expectations to maximize their earnings and career potential, especially considering the acute workforce shortage in veterinary medicine.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Charleston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Charleston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Charleston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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