Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in North Carolina: $50,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across North Carolina's 44 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $50,454/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because North Carolina sits at BEA RPP 93.6 (6% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $53,904 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Chapel Hill ($51,084), Durham ($50,660), Raleigh ($50,240).
In North Carolina, the average median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $50,454 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $49,986, reflecting a 0.9% premium over national averages. The job market is supported by a total employment figure of 2,743 in this field, with a strong growth rate of 5.50% projected annually. Salaries vary significantly across metropolitan areas, with Chapel Hill offering the highest average at $53,894, while Greenville falls at the lower end with $42,812, creating a salary gap of $11,082. This disparity can be attributed to cost of living differences, demand for veterinary services, and the concentration of veterinary practices in urban areas. North Carolina requires veterinary technicians to obtain state licensing, and understanding scope of practice laws is crucial for aspiring professionals. The demand drivers for this occupation include the growing pet ownership rates and advancements in veterinary medicine, which increase the need for skilled technicians. The favorable growth rate and above-average salaries signal a positive outlook for those considering a career in veterinary technology in the state.
North Carolina Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in North Carolina: $35,586 (lowest entry-level) to $85,951 (highest top earner)
North Carolina vs National Average
North Carolina veterinary technologists and technicians earn 0.94% more than the national median (+$468/year difference).
North Carolina Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in North Carolina range from $38,339 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $64,180 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $50,454. The North Carolina median is $468 above the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $24.26/hr. Approximately 2,743 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 44 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,884
2025 BLS Actual
$47,824
2026 Current Est.
$50,454
2019–2027 Growth
+52.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,884 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,692 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,229 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Carolina metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 37.1% from $34,884 (2019) to $47,824 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,229 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,345 (52.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Carolina 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in North Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Greenville | $42,812 |
| Burlington | $44,985 |
| Pinehurst | $45,949 |
| Leland | $46,035 |
| Carrboro | $46,725 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these North Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill | $53,894 | 93.6 | $57,579 |
| Cary | $52,751 | 93.6 | $56,358 |
| Greensboro | $51,790 | 92.865 | $55,769 |
| Winston-Salem | $51,379 | 93.6 | $54,892 |
| Durham | $53,446 | 97.572 | $54,776 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,339 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $50,454 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $64,180 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across North Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 43 Cities in North Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chapel Hill | $53,894 |
| 2 | Durham | $53,446 |
| 3 | Raleigh | $53,003 |
| 4 | Cary | $52,751 |
| 5 | Greensboro | $51,790 |
| 6 | Winston-Salem | $51,379 |
| 7 | High Point | $50,992 |
| 8 | Wilmington | $50,239 |
| 9 | Huntersville | $50,105 |
| 10 | Kannapolis | $50,027 |
| 11 | Apex | $49,909 |
| 12 | Jacksonville | $49,819 |
| 13 | Concord | $49,657 |
| 14 | Winston | $49,638 |
| 15 | Asheville | $49,574 |
| 16 | Statesville | $49,162 |
| 17 | Kernersville | $49,120 |
| 18 | Matthews | $49,005 |
| 19 | Sanford | $48,878 |
| 20 | Wake Forest | $48,876 |
| 21 | Charlotte | $48,857 |
| 22 | Morrisville | $48,855 |
| 23 | Fuquay-Varina | $48,724 |
| 24 | Salisbury | $48,716 |
| 25 | Thomasville | $48,636 |
| 26 | New Bern | $48,617 |
| 27 | Mint Hill | $48,605 |
| 28 | Rocky Mount | $48,150 |
| 29 | Holly Springs | $47,835 |
| 30 | Gastonia | $47,816 |
| 31 | Mooresville | $47,685 |
| 32 | Monroe | $47,666 |
| 33 | Garner | $47,558 |
| 34 | Hickory | $47,549 |
| 35 | Wilson | $47,524 |
| 36 | Boone | $47,318 |
| 37 | Fayetteville | $47,159 |
| 38 | Indian Trail | $46,908 |
| 39 | Carrboro | $46,725 |
| 40 | Leland | $46,035 |
| 41 | Pinehurst | $45,949 |
| 42 | Burlington | $44,985 |
| 43 | Greenville | $42,812 |
More North Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in North Carolina cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Compare Cities in North Carolina
View all comparisons →Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in North Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Carolina?
How does North Carolina veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in North Carolina?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in North Carolina?
Which North Carolina city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across North Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 44 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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