Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Raleigh, NC: $53,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Raleigh, NC earns a median $53,003/year (≈ $25.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Raleigh's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.2), that paycheck buys what $53,998 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Raleigh, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $53,003 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase compared to national figures. With earnings spanning from $39,162 at the 10th percentile to $63,110 at the 90th percentile, these professionals experience a significant pay gradient depending on their work environment. The data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, indicates that those working in specialty hospitals often command higher salaries compared to those employed in general practice settings. This disparity highlights the importance of choosing the right work structure for salary growth in Raleigh's competitive job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,162 | $18.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,253 | $20.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,003 | $25.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,071 | $26.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,110 | $30.34 |
Median Salary Position
6.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
In Raleigh, NC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,948 (2026 est.). At $53,003, the local median is 6.04% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Raleigh: You'd be above the median
How Raleigh Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Raleigh median: $53,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Raleigh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $49,582 | +6.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +6.04% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Raleigh, NC earn a median of $53,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% above the North Carolina state average of $49,582.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Raleigh has a cost of living 1.84% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Raleigh, NC has a cost-of-living index of 98.157 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $53,003 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,998 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.88% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,000
2025 BLS Actual
$50,240
2026 Current Est.
$53,003
2019–2027 Growth
+55.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,610 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Raleigh metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.6% from $36,000 (2019) to $50,240 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,918 (55.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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) | $39,162 – $42,253 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,253 – $53,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,003 – $55,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,071 – $63,110 |
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 Raleigh
In Raleigh, approximately 680 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, underscoring a strong local job market. The cost of living index in the area stands at 98.157, which is below the national average, allowing for better purchasing power for those in this profession. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals typically offer higher salaries, especially for those who have pursued the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in areas like emergency care or anesthesia. This specialization can push salaries significantly higher, often reaching the $30-$45/hour range. To maximize earnings in the Raleigh market, professionals may consider honing skills in specialty areas or taking on roles that offer shift differentials or mentoring opportunities, as these aspects can greatly influence total compensation.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Raleigh?
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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 $50,240 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Raleigh 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
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