Agriculture & Environment Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Veterinary Technician Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median veterinary technician salary in Columbia, SC is $34,425 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$34,425
vs State Avg
+$382
vs National
$-3,825
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median veterinary technician salary of $34,425, which is $382 above the South Carolina state average of $34,043. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $24,300 at the 10th percentile to $49,500 at the 90th percentile — a $25,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,100, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,700. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $26,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,100
$-2,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,700
$-5,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $24,300
25th Percentile $28,800
Median (50th) $34,425
75th Percentile $41,400
90th Percentile $49,500

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$40,163
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$38,250
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$36,338
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$35,190
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Columbia

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Columbia

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Columbia

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $34,425 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $24,300 (10th percentile) to $49,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,425, a veterinary technician in Columbia earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Columbia's median veterinary technician salary of $34,425 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $34,043. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $34,425 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Columbia? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Columbia 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.