Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tega Cay, SC: $17.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tega Cay, SC runs $17.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,084 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tega Cay's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,251 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tega Cay, South Carolina, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $17.83 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This difference highlights the financial realities faced by professionals in the area, particularly for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. Working three days a week, which typically amounts to 24 hours, can yield a take-home that contrasts sharply with full-time employment opportunities. Entry-level technicians may earn around $14.54 per hour, while more experienced professionals in specialized settings could reach $22.13 per hour. The estimated hourly rates are drawn from overall annual salary data, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization found in veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities within Tega Cay.
About the Tega Cay 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) | $14.54 | $116.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.16 | $121.28 |
| Median (P50) | $17.83 | $142.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.02 | $168.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.13 | $177.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tega Cay
Based on $17.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.83/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tega Cay, SC can expect to earn approximately $37,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,395. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tega Cay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tega Cay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $713.18 | $3,090 | $37,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $427.91 | $1,854 | $22,251 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $285.27 | $1,236 | $14,834 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tega Cay) | $17.83 |
| 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 Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $37,084 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $40,178.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.83/hr = $22,251/year (purchasing power: $24,318).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,085/year (purchasing power: $40,530).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tega Cay grew 34.1% from $12.60/hr (2019) to $16.90/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.81/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 Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, the earning potential can vary considerably. A professional working a 24-hour week could earn approximately $21,339 annually, which emphasizes the need for careful financial planning, especially with the rising cost of living. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians often command hourly rates of $25-$40, while those with VTS credentials in specialized roles might achieve $35-$55 per hour. Weekend and overnight positions, particularly in emergency settings, frequently pay between $30-$50, given the staffing shortages in the industry. Employers, ranging from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty facilities, offer differing pay scales. Many individuals in Tega Cay choose lower hourly rates for the benefits that full-time positions provide. Those negotiating hourly pay are encouraged to research comparable rates in the area and consider the overall benefits package as part of their decision-making process.
More salary data for Tega Cay, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tega Cay in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tega Cay?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tega Cay paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tega Cay?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tega Cay?
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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 Tega Cay. 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 Tega Cay 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