Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $18.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Summerville, SC runs $18.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,607 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summerville, South Carolina, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $18.92 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $24.03, reflecting regional economic conditions and market demand. For those working part-time, such as employees on a three-day workweek, this translates to a take-home of approximately $1,130.88 per month, which can vary significantly based on the number of hours worked and the specific job setting. The wide range of hourly earnings in the area extends from $14.75 for entry-level roles to around $26.01 for experienced technicians at the top of their field. These rates, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the earning potential across diverse work environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and academic veterinary settings in Summerville.
About the Summerville 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) | $14.75 | $117.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.76 | $126.09 |
| Median (P50) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.01 | $208.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $18.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $39,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,699. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $756.65 | $3,279 | $39,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $453.99 | $1,967 | $23,607 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $302.66 | $1,312 | $15,738 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Summerville) | $18.92 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $39,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.27% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $40,200.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.92/hr = $23,607/year (purchasing power: $25,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,346/year (purchasing power: $43,001).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Summerville grew 34.1% from $13.37/hr (2019) to $17.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.96/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
The financial opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians can shift dramatically with part-time versus full-time work arrangements. For instance, professionals engaged in per diem roles often see bills ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on their skills and the urgency of the job, particularly in specialty areas where credentialing as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can further elevate earnings. Seasonal demands, such as weekend and overnight emergency coverage, may offer even heftier rates, with some practitioners earning between $30 and $50 per hour during these times. Employers in Summerville, whether corporate veterinary chains or specialized research laboratories, may provide varying hourly wages and employment benefits, necessitating careful consideration for workers in this field. When negotiating pay, it is beneficial for technicians to weigh the trade-off between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a more moderate wage with health coverage—especially significant in today's competitive job market. Understanding local pay scales and positioning oneself through further specialization can greatly influence overall career satisfaction and earning potential in the veterinary profession in SC.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Summerville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Summerville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Summerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Summerville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Summerville?
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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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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