Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lexington, SC: $37,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lexington, SC earns a median $37,966/year (≈ $18.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $41,493 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Lexington, South Carolina, are projected to earn an annual median salary of $37,966, which reflects a significant gap of approximately 24.05% compared to the national median of $49,986. The local pay scale ranges from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $46,622 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential within the field. These estimates, derived from state-level data and regional cost-of-living adjustments, highlight how pay varies based on various factors including experience and specialization within the veterinary sector. The consolidation of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl plays a significant role in shaping the pay dynamics in Lexington's job market, providing a structured pay scale that accommodates a growing demand for skilled veterinary personnel.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,025 | $14.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,966 | $18.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,352 | $21.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,622 | $22.42 |
Median Salary Position
24.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,502 (2026 est.). At $37,966, the local median is 24.05% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be above the median
How Lexington Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lexington median: $37,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $40,176 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -24.05% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lexington, SC earn a median of $37,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.05% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $40,176.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington 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.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $37,966 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,493 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$26,827
2025 BLS Actual
$35,987
2026 Current Est.
$37,966
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,827 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,541 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,989 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,045 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,987 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,054 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $26,827 (2019) to $35,987 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,054 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,227 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $29,120 – $31,025 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,025 – $37,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,966 – $44,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,352 – $46,622 |
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 Lexington
Locally, there are currently five veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Lexington, an indication of a niche but essential market. With a cost of living index at 91.5, which is below the national average, the effective purchasing power for veterinary professionals can be higher in this city, despite comparatively lower salaries. Generally, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl are among the highest paying employers, with specialty hospitals offering better compensation for those with VTS credentials in areas such as ECC, anesthesia, and internal medicine. The disparity in pay largely hinges on factors such as specialization training, with roles in emergency and critical care commanding noteworthy premiums, and the differences between corporate and general practice settings. For those looking to maximize their pay in Lexington, pursuing specialty certification or gaining experience in a corporate hospital environment can yield significant financial rewards.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lexington, SC in 2026?
Is Lexington, SC a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lexington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lexington?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Lexington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $35,987 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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