Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $48,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wake Forest, NC earns a median $48,876/year (≈ $23.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wake Forest's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $52,218 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, North Carolina, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $48,876, slightly below the national average of $49,986. The salary range provides insights into the job market here, with entry-level positions earning around $38,649 and more seasoned professionals earning up to $66,078. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect local economic conditions, including a cost of living index of 93.6, indicating expenses are generally below the national average. The pay scale can vary significantly, especially between those working in specialty hospitals versus general practice clinics, emphasizing the importance of specialization in this field.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,649 | $18.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,062 | $19.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,876 | $23.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,228 | $28.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,078 | $31.77 |
Median Salary Position
2.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, NC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,429 (2026 est.). At $48,876, the local median is 2.22% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wake Forest Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wake Forest median: $48,876/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $49,570 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.22% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $48,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $49,570.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wake Forest 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.
Wake Forest, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,876 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,218 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,536
2025 BLS Actual
$46,328
2026 Current Est.
$48,876
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,536 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,455 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,391 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,328 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,564 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wake Forest metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,536 (2019) to $46,328 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,564 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,028 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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) | $38,649 – $40,062 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,062 – $48,876 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,876 – $60,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,228 – $66,078 |
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 Wake Forest
Currently, there are nine veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Wake Forest, NC, which suggests a relatively small yet stable job market. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, professionals in this area can enjoy better purchasing power compared to higher-cost regions. However, pay variation is influenced by several factors including the type of employer—corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer differentials compared to general practices—while specialty hospitals often provide the highest compensation. As competition grows within the veterinary sector, achieving Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in fields such as emergency and critical care can significantly boost wage potential, with salaries reaching $30 to $45 per hour. To maximize earning potential in Wake Forest, technologists and technicians should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions at specialty or referral hospitals where pay gradients tend to be at their highest.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $46,328 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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