Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Goose Creek, SC: $18.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Goose Creek, SC runs $18.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,598 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Goose Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Goose Creek, SC, can expect a median hourly rate of $18.56 as of 2026, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy reflects the economic conditions and demand in the local area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a potential earnings scenario that may often lead to financial constraints, particularly when managing living costs in Goose Creek, where the cost of living index is 91.5. The hourly pay for veterinary techs in the area ranges from $14.95 for entry-level positions to around $24.12 for those who have significant experience or specialized credentials. These figures are based on annual salary estimates and highlight the potential variability in earnings, particularly for technologists and technicians who may take on per-diem work in settings like specialty hospitals, universities, or research facilities.
About the Goose Creek 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) | $14.95 | $119.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.31 | $122.46 |
| Median (P50) | $18.56 | $148.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.39 | $179.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.12 | $192.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goose Creek
Based on $18.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.56/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goose Creek, SC can expect to earn approximately $38,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,269. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goose Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $742.30 | $3,217 | $38,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $445.38 | $1,930 | $23,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $296.92 | $1,287 | $15,440 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Goose Creek) | $18.56 |
| 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 Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $38,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $40,206.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.56/hr = $23,160/year (purchasing power: $25,311).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,599/year (purchasing power: $42,185).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Goose Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Goose Creek grew 34.1% from $13.11/hr (2019) to $17.59/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.58/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 Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working a 24-hour week, might take home approximately $19,202 annually, a stark contrast compared to their full-time counterparts. Those in per-diem roles can experience potentially lucrative rates, often billing between $25 and $40 per hour, especially in cases where they're filling staffing shortages in emergency or specialty hospitals. Such positions often compensate VTS-credentialed specialty techs at $35-$55 per hour and offer overtime compensation that can reach $30-$50 for weekend or overnight shifts. Different employer types also affect pay; for example, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer more stable hourly roles with benefits, although at lower rates than specialty facilities where technicians work in critical care or oncology. As some adjust their expectations around pay in exchange for health insurance and stability, it’s also wise for prospective employees in Goose Creek to negotiate effectively, ensuring they secure a rate reflective of their skills and the local demand for veterinary professionals.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Goose Creek in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Goose Creek?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Goose Creek paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Goose Creek?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Goose Creek?
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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 Goose Creek. 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 Goose Creek 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