Agriculture & Environment Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Veterinary Technician Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median veterinary technician salary in Durham, NC is $36,338 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$36,338
vs State Avg
+$1,148
vs National
$-1,912
Cost of Living
95%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median veterinary technician salary of $36,338, which is $1,148 above the North Carolina state average of $35,190. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Durham spans from $25,650 at the 10th percentile to $52,250 at the 90th percentile — a $26,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,550, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,350. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $27,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,550
$-1,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,050
$-1,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,350
$-2,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $25,650
25th Percentile $30,400
Median (50th) $36,338
75th Percentile $43,700
90th Percentile $52,250

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$37,485
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$37,485
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$33,660
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$32,895
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Durham

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Durham

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Durham

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Durham, North Carolina is $36,338 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $25,650 (10th percentile) to $52,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,338, a veterinary technician in Durham earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Durham's median veterinary technician salary of $36,338 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $35,190. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $36,338 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Durham? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Durham require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.