Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbia, SC: $40,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Columbia, SC earns a median $40,501/year (≈ $19.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.7), that paycheck buys what $43,242 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Columbia, SC, is projected to be $40,501, a figure that is notably lower than the national median of $49,986. This income reflects a range from $31,808 at the 10th percentile to $54,913 at the 90th percentile, with the local job market favoring those with advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care or anesthesia. Obtaining such specialties can significantly enhance earning potential in this market, providing a pathway to some of the highest salaries available for veterinary technologists and technicians. The insights shared here are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the unique aspects of Columbia's employment environment for individuals in this profession.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,808 | $15.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,611 | $18.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,501 | $19.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,754 | $23.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,913 | $26.41 |
Median Salary Position
18.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, SC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,105 (2026 est.). At $40,501, the local median is 18.98% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Columbia median: $40,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $40,180 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -18.98% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbia, SC earn a median of $40,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the South Carolina state average of $40,180.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 6.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.662 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,501 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,242 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,930
2025 BLS Actual
$38,390
2026 Current Est.
$40,501
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 20.2% from $31,930 (2019) to $38,390 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,799 (33.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $31,808 – $37,611 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,611 – $40,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,501 – $49,754 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,754 – $54,913 |
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 Columbia
With around 430 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area, Columbia's job market exhibits steady demand for these crucial roles. The cost of living index stands at 93.662, indicating that local earnings stretch further than in many other regions, enhancing take-home purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers in Columbia are specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl, which offer pay differentials that can significantly impact annual earnings. The disparity in pay within the sector can often be attributed to the existence of VTS specialty credentialing, the type of practice setting, and various incentives including shift differentials or lead roles at emergency facilities. To maximize pay potential in Columbia, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider gaining specialty certifications and seeking employment in higher-paying sectors, ultimately aligning their skills with the evolving demands of this growing field.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbia, SC in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Columbia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Columbia?
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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 $38,390 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Columbia 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