Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $21.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in North Charleston, SC runs $21.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,233 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,136 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, South Carolina, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.74, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This rate underscores the economic realities for both full-time and part-time professionals, highlighting how it can influence their financial health based on work schedules. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,041 weekly, amounting to a substantial income depending on additional factors such as work settings. Entry-level wages start around $15.31 per hour, while experienced technicians can make as much as $28.90 per hour, reflecting the variety of roles available in general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even educational institutions.
About the North Charleston 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) | $15.31 | $122.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.30 | $146.43 |
| Median (P50) | $21.74 | $173.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.42 | $211.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.90 | $231.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $21.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.74/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $45,227 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,092. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $869.74 | $3,769 | $45,227 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $521.85 | $2,261 | $27,136 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $347.90 | $1,508 | $18,091 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (North Charleston) | $21.74 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $45,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.51% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 12.50% above the South Carolina state average of $40,207.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.74/hr = $27,136/year (purchasing power: $29,657).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,227/year (purchasing power: $49,428).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Charleston grew 34.1% from $15.36/hr (2019) to $20.61/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.94/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 North 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 North Charleston
Focusing on part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician putting in a standard 24 hours each week can expect to bring home around $27,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities might yield higher returns, with rates ranging from $25 to $55 per hour in cases that include critical care or specialty practices. This indicates a notable contrast between traditional roles and per diem positions, where the flexibility of managing one’s schedule comes with both benefits and trade-offs. For those working in corporate veterinary environments or specialty hospitals, hourly rates typically vary, creating room for negotiation based on clinical expertise and career specialization. Prospective employees should consider both the hourly rate and the potential benefits offered, as some may choose slightly lower pay for health insurance or retirement plans. As the veterinary workforce in North Charleston continues to experience a shortage, understanding these financial dynamics can empower veterinary technicians to navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in North Charleston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in North Charleston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Charleston?
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 North 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
Salary data for North Charleston 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