Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $18.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sumter, SC runs $18.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,280 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $18.40 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity may impact those working part-time, such as in general practice clinics or specialty hospitals, where individuals might earn less over a shorter schedule, like three days a week. For per-diem workers, being part of a flexible workforce often leads to a unique set of financial dynamics, with many professionals enjoying the option to work in critical care units or educational contexts like university teaching hospitals. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $14.58 per hour, while more experienced professionals could command up to $24.29 per hour, reflecting the varied responsibilities and settings specific to the field.
About the Sumter 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) | $14.58 | $116.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.41 | $123.31 |
| Median (P50) | $18.40 | $147.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.43 | $179.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.29 | $194.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $18.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $38,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,079. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $735.97 | $3,189 | $38,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $441.58 | $1,914 | $22,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.39 | $1,276 | $15,308 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sumter) | $18.40 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $38,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $40,210.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.40/hr = $22,962/year (purchasing power: $25,095).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,270/year (purchasing power: $41,826).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sumter grew 51.7% from $11.50/hr (2019) to $17.44/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.41/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologist and technician roles in Sumter can be surprisingly nuanced. A technician working part-time at $18.40 per hour for 24 hours a week would realize an annual income far below their full-time counterparts. For those seeking more flexibility, per-diem positions often offer a substantial boost; vet techs billing hourly can expect to see rates from $25 to $40, depending on their specialty and the high demand for overnight or weekend coverage, which can range between $30 and $50 per hour. Employer types also influence pay scales significantly in Sumter, with corporate chain hospitals providing different benefits compared to independent and specialty clinics. While some veterinary technologists might opt for positions with lower hourly wages to secure health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits, balancing financial needs with job security. Negotiation is crucial in this growing field, so understanding the market trends and being prepared with data can help professionals in Sumter advocate effectively for improved compensation.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sumter in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sumter?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Sumter paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sumter?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sumter?
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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 Sumter. 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 Sumter 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