Vet Tech salary

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

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

Alabaster, AL
$37,905
$18.22/hr
Birmingham, AL
$39,141
$18.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlabaster, ALBirmingham, AL
Median Salary$37,905$39,141
Hourly Rate$18.22$18.82
Entry Level (P10)$30,930$31,650
25th Percentile$32,529$32,842
75th Percentile$44,716$43,339
Top Earner (P90)$49,932$52,666
Total Employed8530
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alabaster ($37,905) and Birmingham ($39,141) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AlabasterBirminghamMedian Salary$37,905$39,141Entry Level (P10)$30,930$31,650Top Earner (P90)$49,932$52,666US Median $49,986

Verdict

Birmingham, 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 Birmingham is $1,236 (3.26%). Birmingham's median is -21.70% 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,Birmingham spans $21,016. Birmingham 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
Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$31,650
P25$32,842
Median$39,141
P75$43,339
P90 (Top)$52,666

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Alabaster ($43,123 effective) pays 0.97% more than Birmingham ($42,710 effective).

Alabaster
Nominal: $37,905
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $43,123
Birmingham
Nominal: $39,141
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $42,710

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alabaster if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,123)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,141/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($52,666)
  • Larger job market (530 employed)
  • 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 10.3% growth in Birmingham over the same period.

Alabaster, AL

+31.8%

$27,255 (2024) → $35,929 (2025)

Birmingham, AL

+10.3%

$33,630 (2019) → $37,100 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Birmingham has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $39,141/year, compared to Alabaster at $37,905/year — a difference of $1,236 (3.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Birmingham?

Alabaster veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.22/hr while Birmingham hygienists earn $18.82/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alabaster and Birmingham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alabaster = $43,123, Birmingham = $42,710), job availability (8 vs 530 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30,930 in Alabaster and $31,650 in Birmingham. The Birmingham 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