Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rock Hill, SC: $19.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rock Hill, SC runs $19.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rock Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,016 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Hill, South Carolina, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $19.24. This figure lags behind the national hourly median of $24.03, highlighting the regional economic differences. For those working part-time—such as in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university clinics, or pharmaceutical labs—this rate translates to a manageable living for 3-day workweeks, though it may require supplemental income or second jobs. Entry-level workers can expect starting hourly wages around $13.92, while experienced technicians may command up to $26.42 as they progress through their careers, showcasing a clear opportunity for growth within various veterinary settings in Rock Hill.
About the Rock Hill 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) | $13.92 | $111.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.01 | $128.12 |
| Median (P50) | $19.24 | $153.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.95 | $191.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.42 | $211.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Hill
Based on $19.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.24/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Hill, SC can expect to earn approximately $40,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,092. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $769.73 | $3,335 | $40,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $461.84 | $2,001 | $24,016 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.89 | $1,334 | $16,010 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rock Hill) | $19.24 |
| 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 Rock Hill, SC earn a median of $40,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.91% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $40,195.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.24/hr = $24,016/year (purchasing power: $26,246).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,026/year (purchasing power: $43,744).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rock Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rock Hill grew 34.1% from $13.60/hr (2019) to $18.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.30/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 Rock Hill 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 Rock Hill
Evaluating the earning potential reveals a significant contrast between full-time and part-time positions. A veterinary technologist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can bring home a respectable income, but it may still fall short of a full-time salary. Per-diem veterinary technician pay in Rock Hill often ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) attracting even higher rates between $35 and $55, especially in specialist or emergency practice settings. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral facilities, and educational institutions might offer different pay structures, including those with benefits versus higher hourly rates for independent contractors. Understanding this balance can help veterinary professionals in Rock Hill negotiate their pay and find positions that align with their personal and financial goals while considering the impact of the workforce shortage on attracting quality veterinary talent.
More salary data for Rock Hill, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rock Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rock Hill?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rock Hill paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rock Hill?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rock Hill?
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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 Rock Hill. 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 Rock Hill 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