Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $49,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Jacksonville, NC earns a median $49,819/year (≈ $23.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Jacksonville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $53,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $49,819, slightly below the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $36,940 at the lower end (P10) to $64,284 at the higher end (P90). With a growing awareness of specialty credentialing pathways—such as achieving the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care or anesthesia—those who pursue these additional certifications can expect to command higher wages within the market. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals increases, Jacksonville's job market offers a promising environment for veterinary technologists and technicians, with salary prospects reflecting both local adjustments and competitive opportunities.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,940 | $17.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,084 | $19.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,819 | $23.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,549 | $28.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,284 | $30.90 |
Median Salary Position
0.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, NC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,344 (2026 est.). At $49,819, the local median is 0.33% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jacksonville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jacksonville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Jacksonville median: $49,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jacksonville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $49,571 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.33% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $49,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $49,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jacksonville 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.
Jacksonville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,819 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,225 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,420
2025 BLS Actual
$47,222
2026 Current Est.
$49,819
2019–2027 Growth
+124.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,139 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,862 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,222 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,559 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jacksonville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 101.6% from $23,420 (2019) to $47,222 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,559 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,139 (124.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,940 – $40,084 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,084 – $49,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,819 – $59,549 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,549 – $64,284 |
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 Jacksonville
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians shows strength, with 17 professionals currently employed in the area. Jacksonville's cost of living index stands at 93.6, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, thereby enhancing take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer competitive pay, while specialty hospitals in fields such as surgery and emergency care provide differentials that can significantly impact overall earnings. The disparity between lower and higher pay often stems from factors such as VTS credentials, which are highly valued, as well as the tiered pay scales that corporate chains offer compared to general practice settings. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Jacksonville NC area, targeting specialty medicine roles and pursuing additional certifications can increase salary potential beyond the standard compensation in general practices.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Jacksonville?
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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
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 $47,222 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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