Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Sumter, SC: $38,280 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Sumter, SC earns a median $38,280/year (≈ $18.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Sumter's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $41,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Sumter, South Carolina, can expect a median salary of $38,280 in 2026, which reflects a considerable gap of over 23% compared to the national median of $49,986 for the same year. Salaries in this field range from $30,316 at the 10th percentile to $50,508 at the 90th percentile, offering a spectrum of earning potential for professionals based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living in Sumter. With a strong presence of corporate veterinary practices such as VCA and BluePearl, the market offers clear pathways for career advancement despite the regional average being slightly below that of the national metrics.
About the Sumter Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,316 | $14.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,051 | $15.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,280 | $18.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,646 | $22.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,508 | $24.29 |
Median Salary Position
23.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sumter
In Sumter, SC, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,192 (2026 est.). At $38,280, the local median is 23.42% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sumter: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sumter Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Sumter median: $38,280/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sumter Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $40,210 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -23.42% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Sumter, SC earn a median of $38,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $40,210.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sumter 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.
Sumter, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,280 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,836 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,930
2025 BLS Actual
$36,284
2026 Current Est.
$38,280
2019–2027 Growth
+68.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,768 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,284 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,280 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sumter metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 51.6% from $23,930 (2019) to $36,284 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,455 (68.76%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sumter 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) | $30,316 – $32,051 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,051 – $38,280 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,280 – $46,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,646 – $50,508 |
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 Sumter
In Sumter, there are currently eight veterinary technologists and technicians employed, highlighting a specialized and competitive job market for graduates and aspiring professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, the purchasing power in this area is relatively favorable, allowing technologists and technicians to stretch their earnings further than in higher-cost regions. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals generally offer the most competitive compensation, with salaries varying based on credentials, such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, which can significantly increase earning potential. Factors influencing the pay disparity include shifts, specialization in emergency and critical care (ECC), and roles such as lead technician or mentor positions, which often command higher salaries. To maximize pay in this market, obtaining specialty certifications and opting for employment in larger, corporate chains could lead to enhanced financial rewards for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sumter, SC.
More salary data for Sumter, 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 $36,284 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Sumter 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 Sumter 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