Vet Tech salary

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

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

Auburn, AL
$39,119
$18.81/hr
Dothan, AL
$31,872
$15.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, ALDothan, AL
Median Salary$39,119$31,872
Hourly Rate$18.81$15.32
Entry Level (P10)$29,846$26,892
25th Percentile$31,692$30,194
75th Percentile$55,155$37,632
Top Earner (P90)$55,155$38,434
Total Employed14050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($39,119) and Dothan ($31,872) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AuburnDothanMedian Salary$39,119$31,872Entry Level (P10)$29,846$26,892Top Earner (P90)$55,155$38,434US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Auburn and Dothan is $7,247 (22.74%). 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 Auburn spans $25,309,Dothan spans $11,542. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Auburn
P10 (Entry)$29,846
P25$31,692
Median$39,119
P75$55,155
P90 (Top)$55,155
Dothan
P10 (Entry)$26,892
P25$30,194
Median$31,872
P75$37,632
P90 (Top)$38,434

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($44,487 effective) pays 17.02% more than Dothan ($38,018 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $39,119
CoL Index: 87.933
Adjusted: $44,487
Dothan
Nominal: $31,872
CoL Index: 83.833
Adjusted: $38,018

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Dothan if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Auburn grew 10.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Dothan over the same period.

Auburn, AL

+10.5%

$33,570 (2019) → $37,080 (2025)

Dothan, AL

+13.4%

$26,630 (2021) → $30,210 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Auburn has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $39,119/year, compared to Dothan at $31,872/year — a difference of $7,247 (22.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Dothan?

Auburn veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.81/hr while Dothan hygienists earn $15.32/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Dothan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $44,487, Dothan = $38,018), job availability (140 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,846 in Auburn and $26,892 in Dothan. The Auburn 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