Vet Tech salary

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

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

Birmingham, AL
$39,141
$18.82/hr
Pelham, AL
$36,177
$17.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALPelham, AL
Median Salary$39,141$36,177
Hourly Rate$18.82$17.40
Entry Level (P10)$31,650$29,689
25th Percentile$32,842$30,860
75th Percentile$43,339$42,767
Top Earner (P90)$52,666$45,066
Total Employed5304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($39,141) and Pelham ($36,177) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BirminghamPelhamMedian Salary$39,141$36,177Entry Level (P10)$31,650$29,689Top Earner (P90)$52,666$45,066US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Birmingham and Pelham is $2,964 (8.19%). 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 Birmingham spans $21,016,Pelham spans $15,377. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$31,650
P25$32,842
Median$39,141
P75$43,339
P90 (Top)$52,666
Pelham
P10 (Entry)$29,689
P25$30,860
Median$36,177
P75$42,767
P90 (Top)$45,066

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($42,710 effective) pays 3.77% more than Pelham ($41,157 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $39,141
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $42,710
Pelham
Nominal: $36,177
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $41,157

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,141/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($52,666)
  • Larger job market (530 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,710)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Pelham 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 Birmingham grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Pelham over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+10.3%

$33,630 (2019) → $37,100 (2025)

Pelham, AL

+31.8%

$26,012 (2024) → $34,291 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Birmingham has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $39,141/year, compared to Pelham at $36,177/year — a difference of $2,964 (8.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Pelham?

Birmingham veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.82/hr while Pelham hygienists earn $17.40/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Pelham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $42,710, Pelham = $41,157), job availability (530 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,650 in Birmingham and $29,689 in Pelham. 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