Vet Tech salary

Alabaster vs Auburn: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Alabaster, AL and Auburn, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alabaster, AL
$37,905
$18.22/hr
Auburn, AL
$39,119
$18.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlabaster, ALAuburn, AL
Median Salary$37,905$39,119
Hourly Rate$18.22$18.81
Entry Level (P10)$30,930$29,846
25th Percentile$32,529$31,692
75th Percentile$44,716$55,155
Top Earner (P90)$49,932$55,155
Total Employed8140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alabaster ($37,905) and Auburn ($39,119) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AlabasterAuburnMedian Salary$37,905$39,119Entry Level (P10)$30,930$29,846Top Earner (P90)$49,932$55,155US Median $49,986

Verdict

Auburn, AL offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alabaster.

The salary gap between Alabaster and Auburn is $1,214 (3.20%). Auburn's median is -21.74% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alabaster spans $19,002,Auburn spans $25,309. Auburn has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Alabaster
P10 (Entry)$30,930
P25$32,529
Median$37,905
P75$44,716
P90 (Top)$49,932
Auburn
P10 (Entry)$29,846
P25$31,692
Median$39,119
P75$55,155
P90 (Top)$55,155

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($44,487 effective) pays 3.16% more than Alabaster ($43,123 effective).

Alabaster
Nominal: $37,905
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $43,123
Auburn
Nominal: $39,119
CoL Index: 87.933
Adjusted: $44,487

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alabaster if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Auburn if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,119/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($55,155)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,487)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Alabaster grew 31.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Auburn over the same period.

Alabaster, AL

+31.8%

$27,255 (2024) → $35,929 (2025)

Auburn, AL

+10.5%

$33,570 (2019) → $37,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Alabaster or Auburn?

Auburn has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $39,119/year, compared to Alabaster at $37,905/year — a difference of $1,214 (3.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Auburn?

Alabaster veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.22/hr while Auburn hygienists earn $18.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alabaster to Auburn as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alabaster and Auburn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alabaster = $43,123, Auburn = $44,487), job availability (8 vs 140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Alabaster vs Auburn?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,930 in Alabaster and $29,846 in Auburn. The Alabaster area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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