Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $51,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $51,379/year (≈ $24.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $54,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Winston-Salem is expected to be $51,379, reflecting a competitive position in the market when compared to the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $35,586 at the 10th percentile to $70,622 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the notable pay gradient between general practice settings and specialty hospitals. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, underline the financial opportunities available to veterinary professionals in the area, reinforcing Winston-Salem’s attractiveness as a viable option for both entry-level and experienced candidates.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,586 | $17.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,807 | $19.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,379 | $24.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,622 | $33.95 |
Median Salary Position
2.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,036 (2026 est.). At $51,379, the local median is 2.79% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winston-Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston-Salem Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $51,379/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $49,593 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.79% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $51,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $49,593.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $51,379 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,892 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,304
2025 BLS Actual
$48,700
2026 Current Est.
$51,379
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,305 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,922 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,204 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,304 (2019) to $48,700 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,204 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,900 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $35,586 – $39,807 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,807 – $51,379 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,379 – $63,520 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,520 – $70,622 |
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 Winston-Salem
Employment for veterinary technologists and technicians in Winston-Salem is relatively robust, with 59 individuals currently engaged in the profession. The lower cost-of-living index of 93.6 further enhances the purchasing power of their salaries compared to national averages. Among the various employers, specialty referral hospitals typically offer the highest pay, particularly for those who hold the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can command premium rates for specific skill sets like emergency and critical care. Variations in salary arise from factors such as the type of practice—corporate chains may offer a different pay scale than independent clinics—and additional pay incentives for lead or mentor roles. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Winston-Salem, pursuing additional credentials, acquiring specialized skills, or considering employment at a specialty facility can be advantageous strategies in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Winston-Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Winston-Salem?
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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 $48,700 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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