Vet Tech salary

Albany vs Atlanta: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Albany, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albany, GA
$38,825
$18.66/hr
Atlanta, GA
$47,201
$22.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, GAAtlanta, GA
Median Salary$38,825$47,201
Hourly Rate$18.66$22.69
Entry Level (P10)$27,898$40,111
25th Percentile$32,900$41,071
75th Percentile$46,650$50,788
Top Earner (P90)$50,303$62,867
Total Employed121,450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($38,825) and Atlanta ($47,201) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AlbanyAtlantaMedian Salary$38,825$47,201Entry Level (P10)$27,898$40,111Top Earner (P90)$50,303$62,867US Median $49,986

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.

The salary gap between Albany and Atlanta is $8,376 (21.57%). Atlanta's median is -5.57% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $22,405,Atlanta spans $22,756. Atlanta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Albany
P10 (Entry)$27,898
P25$32,900
Median$38,825
P75$46,650
P90 (Top)$50,303
Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$40,111
P25$41,071
Median$47,201
P75$50,788
P90 (Top)$62,867

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($47,174 effective) pays 13.12% more than Albany ($41,702 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $38,825
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $41,702
Atlanta
Nominal: $47,201
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $47,174

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albany if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,201/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,867)
  • Larger job market (1,450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,174)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Albany grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Atlanta over the same period.

Albany, GA

+11.7%

$32,950 (2019) → $36,801 (2025)

Atlanta, GA

+37.5%

$32,550 (2019) → $44,740 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Albany or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,201/year, compared to Albany at $38,825/year — a difference of $8,376 (21.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Atlanta?

Albany veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.66/hr while Atlanta hygienists earn $22.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Atlanta as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Atlanta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $41,702, Atlanta = $47,174), job availability (12 vs 1,450 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Albany vs Atlanta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $27,898 in Albany and $40,111 in Atlanta. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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