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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Vet Tech in North Carolina is $36,436 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Certified Vet Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Vet Tech Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,473 | $3,539 | $817 | $20 |
| Average | $36,436 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,867 | $2,739 | $632 | $16 |
Tevah Wellness Pllc - Burlington, NC
Community Veterinary Partners - Lexington, NC
PetVet Care Centers - Fletcher, NC
PetVet Care Centers - Bessemer City, NC
A Certified Vet Tech's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Vet Tech's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Vet Tech | $36,585 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Vet Tech | $37,396 |
| Senior Level Certified Vet Tech | $40,420 |
| Specialist Level Certified Vet Tech | $40,744 |
| Expert Level Certified Vet Tech | $40,960 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Vet Teches. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Certified Vet Tech roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 50% above the average. Conversely, Certified Vet Tech positions in Edu., Gov't & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Vet Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $54,654 | $26.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Certified Vet Tech's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,473 | $3,539 | $817 | $20 |
| Average | $36,436 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,867 | $2,739 | $632 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Vet Tech job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
PetVet Care Centers
Sherrills Ford, NC
PetVet Care Centers | Sherrills Ford, NC
Practice. Veterinary Hospital at the Lake provides full-service small animal care to Sherrills Ford, NC and the surrounding communities. We are also home t... more
4 Days Ago
Steele Creek Animal Hospital
Charlotte, NC
Steele Creek Animal Hospital | Charlotte, NC
Steele Creek Animal Hospital. At Steele Creek Animal Hospital, we believe that a strong team is the backbone of exceptional client service and patient care... more
5 Days Ago
3B Healthcare, Inc.
Wilmington, NC
3B Healthcare, Inc. | Wilmington, NC
Job Title. Schedule. Day 3x12-Hour (06:45 - 19:15). Job Requirements & Qualifications. 2 year(s) Note: Screen if limited eye exp. Certs marked with * are p... more
4 Days Ago
Diverse Lynx LLC
Wilmington, NC
Diverse Lynx LLC | Wilmington, NC
Certified Or Tech / Surgical Tech (Cst). Location: 2131 S 17th St Wilmington, NC 28401 Facility: Novant Health Shift: 3*12 (Day and Night both shift are av... more
3 Days Ago
Affinity Health Partners LLC
Plymouth, NC
Affinity Health Partners LLC | Plymouth, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. OVERVIEW. The Certified Pharmacy Technician is processing prescriptions to patients ordered by the medical s... more
4 Days Ago
UNC HEALTH
Hendersonville, NC
UNC HEALTH | Hendersonville, NC
Surgical Tech, Certified. Under the direction of a physician and/or a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technologist, Certified handles the instruments, suppl... more
5 Days Ago
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