Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Apex, NC: $49,909 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Apex, NC earns a median $49,909/year (≈ $23.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Apex's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $53,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the North Carolina state average.

$49,909
Median Annual Salary
$23.99/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$37,153
Entry Level (P10)
$64,584
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Apex, NC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Apex, NC veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

By 2026, those pursuing a career as veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex, North Carolina can expect a median annual salary of $49,909. This local figure reflects a salary range from $37,153 at the 10th percentile to $64,584 at the 90th percentile, showing a healthy variance in potential earnings. These estimates, rooted in 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments, put Apex's veterinary professional salaries slightly below the national median of $49,986. The possibility of specialty credentialing through the VTS pathway, particularly in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, can significantly impact earnings, with specialized roles often commanding higher compensation. Given the overall market for veterinary positions, obtaining such credentials can enhance job prospects and income potential in the Apex area.

About the Apex Market

Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$37,153$17.86
Lower Range (P25)$42,168$20.28
Median (P50)(typical)$49,909$23.99
Upper Range (P75)$59,767$28.74
Top Earners (P90)$64,584$31.05

Median Salary Position

$37,153$64,584
City Median: $49,909
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

0.15% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apex

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Apex. The median salary is $49,909, compared to the national median of $49,986.$33.4K$42.0K$50.6K$59.2K$67.8K$37.2K10th Pctl$42.2K25th Pctl$49.9KMedian$59.8K75th Pctl$64.6K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Apex, NC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,431 (2026 est.). At $49,909, the local median is 0.15% below the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Apex metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$960
per week
$4,158
per month
$49,901
per year

At 40 hours/week in Apex: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Apex Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Apex median: $49,909/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryApex Pays
North Carolina Average$49,562+0.70% more
National Average$49,986-0.15% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Apex ($49,909) with North Carolina average ($49,562) and the US national median ($49,986).Apex$49,909North Carolina Avg$49,562+0.70%US National$49,986-0.15%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Apex, NC earn a median of $49,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $49,562.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$49,909
Nominal Salary
93.6
CoL Index
$53,322
Adjusted Salary

Apex has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $49,909. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 93.6, the purchasing-power equivalent is $53,322, a gain of $3,413.$42.4K$47.1K$51.9K$56.6K$61.3K$49,909NominalSalary$53,322CoL Adjusted(CoL: 93.6) 6.84%US Median $50.0K

Apex, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,909 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,322 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$35,266

2025 BLS Actual

$47,307

2026 Current Est.

$49,909

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Apex (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex. Baseline $35,266 in 2025, projected to $52,654 by 2027.$30.2K$36.7K$43.3K$49.8K$56.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.3K$36.2K$36.8K$38.2K$43.7K$33.9K$47.3K$49.9K$52.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$35,266Actual
2020$36,204Actual
2021$36,793Actual
2022$38,181Actual
2023$43,673Actual
2024$33,923Actual
2025$47,307Actual
2026(current)$49,909Estimated
2027$52,654Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apex metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,266 (2019) to $47,307 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,654 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,388 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Salary by Experience Level

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$37,153$42,168
3-5 years (Mid Career)$42,168$49,909
5+ years (Experienced)$49,909$59,767
10+ years (Top Earner)$59,767$64,584

Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Apex

Exploring the job market, there are currently 16 employed veterinary technologists and technicians in Apex, showcasing a demand for skilled professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 93.6, salaries in this region afford technicians a reasonable purchasing power compared to national averages. Employers that tend to offer competitive pay include corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, as well as specialty referral hospitals focusing on surgery and internal medicine. The wide pay range often stems from factors such as specialty training (e.g., ECC or anesthesia certifications), the corporate pay scales that differ across practices, and additional shifts or lead roles in emergency settings. For those looking to maximize their salary in Apex, working towards VTS credentials, seeking employment in specialty hospitals, or gaining experience in leadership roles can significantly boost earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Apex, NC in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Apex is $49,909/year ($23.99/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $37,153 at entry level (10th percentile) to $64,584 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Apex at 0.2% below the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Apex, NC a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Apex veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 0.2% below the national average and 0.7% above the North Carolina state average. The metro area employs approximately 16 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Apex?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Apex is $49,909, and the 90th percentile earns $64,584. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Apex?

After adjusting for Apex's cost-of-living index of 93.6 (where 100 equals the national average), the $49,909 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $53,322 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 6.8% further in Apex compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for veterinary technologists and technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Apex?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Apex earn a median hourly rate of $23.99, which translates to approximately $49,909/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $17.86 for entry-level positions to $31.05 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,307 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Apex metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Apex is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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