Vet Tech salary

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

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

Auburn, AL
$39,119
$18.81/hr
Mobile, AL
$39,657
$19.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$39,119$39,657
Hourly Rate$18.81$19.06
Entry Level (P10)$29,846$31,091
25th Percentile$31,692$31,882
75th Percentile$55,155$40,649
Top Earner (P90)$55,155$50,556
Total Employed140130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($39,119) and Mobile ($39,657) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AuburnMobileMedian Salary$39,119$39,657Entry Level (P10)$29,846$31,091Top Earner (P90)$55,155$50,556US Median $49,986

Verdict

Auburn and Mobile are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Auburn and Mobile is $538 (1.38%). Mobile's median is -20.66% 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,Mobile spans $19,465. 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
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$31,091
P25$31,882
Median$39,657
P75$40,649
P90 (Top)$50,556

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($45,015 effective) pays 1.19% more than Auburn ($44,487 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $39,119
CoL Index: 87.933
Adjusted: $44,487
Mobile
Nominal: $39,657
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $45,015

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Auburn if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($55,155)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,657/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,015)
  • 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 32.3% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Auburn, AL

+10.5%

$33,570 (2019) → $37,080 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+32.3%

$28,410 (2019) → $37,590 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Mobile has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $39,657/year, compared to Auburn at $39,119/year — a difference of $538 (1.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Mobile?

Auburn veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.81/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $19.06/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $44,487, Mobile = $45,015), job availability (140 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,846 in Auburn and $31,091 in Mobile. The Mobile 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