Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $18.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lexington, SC runs $18.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,778 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington, SC, earn a median hourly rate of $18.25, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy means that individuals working part-time or in per-diem roles may find their earnings constrained. For instance, a veterinary technologist working three days a week could expect to earn around $18,000 annually, which may not be sufficient for all living expenses, especially in a city where the cost of living is slightly below the national average. Entry-level positions typically command around $14.00 per hour, while seasoned professionals could earn up to $22.42. The range captures the broad spectrum of employment settings, from general practice clinics and specialty hospitals to university teaching hospitals and even pharmaceutical research facilities. Estimates of hourly rates are based on annual salary projections for 2026, highlighting the earning potential within this vital field.
About the Lexington 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) | $14.00 | $112.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.92 | $119.34 |
| Median (P50) | $18.25 | $146.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.32 | $170.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.42 | $179.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $18.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.25/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $37,963 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,902. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $730.06 | $3,164 | $37,963 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $438.04 | $1,898 | $22,778 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $292.02 | $1,265 | $15,185 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lexington) | $18.25 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $37,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.05% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $40,176.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.25/hr = $22,778/year (purchasing power: $24,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,963/year (purchasing power: $41,490).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington grew 34.1% from $12.90/hr (2019) to $17.30/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.26/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
When considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist or technician who works 24 hours a week takes home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In Lexington, some per-diem roles see veterinary technicians billing $25 to $40 per hour, especially for specialized positions like VTS credentialed roles that can command $35 to $55 per hour. Emergency and overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals often offer higher rates, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour due to the current workforce shortage. Employers vary widely in pay rates; corporate chain hospitals often have more standardized wages, while specialty referral hospitals may provide better compensation. Although higher hourly rates can be appealing, many professionals accept lower pay for positions with benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating pay in Lexington, it’s essential to understand the differences in employer pay scales and consider the entire compensation package when assessing job offers.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lexington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lexington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
Related Pages
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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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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