Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Aiken, SC: $39,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Aiken, SC earns a median $39,858/year (≈ $19.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Aiken's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $43,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Aiken, SC, is projected to have a median annual income of $39,858. This figure reflects a notable disparity compared to the national median salary of $49,986, indicating a regional pay scale that is about 20.26% lower than the national average. Local salaries range from $30,941 at the 10th percentile to $51,855 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the potential for veterinary assistants in specialized roles—particularly those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care or anesthesia—who can command higher wages in Aiken’s veterinary market.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,941 | $14.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,911 | $15.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,858 | $19.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,121 | $23.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,855 | $24.93 |
Median Salary Position
20.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,914 (2026 est.). At $39,858, the local median is 20.26% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aiken: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aiken Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Aiken median: $39,858/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aiken Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $40,179 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -20.26% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Aiken, SC earn a median of $39,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.26% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $40,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aiken has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aiken, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,858 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,561 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,164
2025 BLS Actual
$37,780
2026 Current Est.
$39,858
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,878 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,849 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,050 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aiken metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,164 (2019) to $37,780 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,050 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,886 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aiken 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) | $30,941 – $32,911 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,911 – $39,858 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,858 – $48,121 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,121 – $51,855 |
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 Aiken
Employment opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aiken are currently held by four professionals, highlighting a localized job market that may present challenges for entry-level candidates. The cost of living index in Aiken stands at 91.5, suggesting lower living expenses relative to the national average, which enhances the earning potential for techs in the area. Notable employers contributing to the higher wage brackets include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which pay more compared to general practice clinics. The variation in salaries often stems from specialty veterinary technician roles, shift differentials at emergency hospitals, and the corporate pay scale differences. To optimize earning potential, pursuing VTS credentials, seeking employment with specialty clinics, and considering positions that offer leadership or mentorship roles are strong strategies for job seekers aiming to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Aiken, SC.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $37,780 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Aiken 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 Aiken 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