Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Alabaster, AL: $18.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Alabaster, AL runs $18.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Alabaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $18.22 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity can influence individuals considering part-time or per-diem roles in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, or even pharmaceutical research facilities. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day workweek schedule, this hourly rate provides a framework for earnings that may not always compete with full-time positions, narrowing the financial feasibility of such arrangements. Entry-level positions may start around $14.88, while highly skilled technicians or those in specialized fields could attain rates as high as $24.00, illustrating a broad spectrum of hourly earnings based on experience and employer type.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.88 | $119.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.64 | $125.08 |
| Median (P50) | $18.22 | $145.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.50 | $172.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.00 | $192.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alabaster
Based on $18.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.22/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alabaster, AL can expect to earn approximately $37,897 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,864. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alabaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alabaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $728.79 | $3,158 | $37,897 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.28 | $1,895 | $22,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.52 | $1,263 | $15,159 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Alabaster) | $18.22 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $37,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.17% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $39,118.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.22/hr = $22,738/year (purchasing power: $25,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,897/year (purchasing power: $43,114).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alabaster grew 34.1% from $12.87/hr (2019) to $17.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Alabaster
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals notable earning potential. A part-time employee working three days a week would earn approximately $22,893, considerably less than a full-time peer but still viable for those seeking flexibility. For per-diem opportunities, the reality shifts; these technicians frequently bill rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, enhancing potential take-home pay while introducing variability to earnings based on demand and availability. Specialty veterinary technicians holding a VTS credential can secure $35 to $55 per hour, notably higher than the typical pay for general practice roles in Alabaster. Additionally, hourly wages can reflect significant differences across employer types, with corporate chains often offering competitive rates despite potentially fewer benefits. Technicians must weigh these factors when negotiating their hourly rate, considering if a lower wage comes with comprehensive health coverage, which can be valuable in the long run.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alabaster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Alabaster?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Alabaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Alabaster?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Alabaster?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Alabaster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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