Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $19.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Columbia, SC runs $19.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,305 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Columbia, SC, is projected to provide a median hourly pay of $19.48 for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This disparity may impact those considering part-time or per-diem work within various veterinary settings, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those working three days a week, the compensation equates to about $1,559 monthly, offering a viable option for individuals seeking flexible work schedules. However, the salary range—from $15.29 for entry-level positions to $26.41 for highly experienced technicians—reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this occupation amidst the ongoing workforce shortage, influenced by corporate consolidation within the veterinary field. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that these figures provide insight into the potential earnings for dedicated individuals pursuing a career as veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbia.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.29 | $122.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.08 | $144.66 |
| Median (P50) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.92 | $191.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.41 | $211.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $19.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.48/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $40,509 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,370. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $779.01 | $3,376 | $40,509 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $467.41 | $2,025 | $24,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $311.60 | $1,350 | $16,203 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Columbia) | $19.48 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $40,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the South Carolina state average of $40,180.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.48/hr = $24,305/year (purchasing power: $25,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,509/year (purchasing power: $43,250).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbia grew 20.3% from $15.35/hr (2019) to $18.46/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.55/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbia, working just 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of around $18,708, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who might earn considerably more. Per-diem or locum tenens positions frequently offer higher hourly rates, typically charging between $25 and $40, with specialty technicians holding VTS credentials commanding $35 to $55 per hour. Understaffed emergency clinics may provide additional incentives, with rates reaching $30 to $50 for weekend and overnight shifts. Within Columbia’s diverse veterinary landscape, pay varies widely based on the employer type, from general practices to boutique specialty hospitals. The choice between lower hourly pay with benefits and higher pay without can be pivotal for many workers. As negotiations unfold, being aware of regional pay scales and emphasizing skills or certifications can significantly influence hourly outcomes for veterinary technologists and technicians working in SC.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbia?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Columbia?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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