Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Auburn, AL: $18.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Auburn, AL runs $18.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,476 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Auburn, Alabama, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $18.81, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This difference highlights the regional pay variance for this profession, essential in a landscape where veterinary services are in high demand. For part-time workers, especially those who engage on a three-day-per-week schedule, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, providing flexibility while still allowing for a sustainable living. Moreover, entry-level positions often start at around $14.35 per hour, while seasoned technicians can earn up to $26.52 per hour in specialized settings like university teaching hospitals or emergency veterinary clinics. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects the local job market dynamics and the pressing need for skilled veterinary staff.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.35 | $114.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.23 | $121.87 |
| Median (P50) | $18.81 | $150.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.52 | $212.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.52 | $212.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $18.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.81/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, AL can expect to earn approximately $39,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,573. With a cost-of-living index of 87.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $752.43 | $3,261 | $39,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $451.46 | $1,956 | $23,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.97 | $1,304 | $15,650 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Auburn) | $18.81 |
| 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 Auburn, AL earn a median of $39,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.74% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.81/hr = $23,476/year (purchasing power: $26,697).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,126/year (purchasing power: $44,495).
CoL index: 87.933 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Auburn grew 10.5% from $16.14/hr (2019) to $17.83/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.85/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
When considering part-time positions, a veterinary technologist working 24 hours per week could realistically expect to take home an approximate $29,446 annually. This figure, while competitive, is less than what full-time workers earn, highlighting a significant trade-off between hours worked and benefits gained. Per diem workers in Auburn find themselves in a potentially lucrative environment; billing rates can range from $25 to $55 per hour depending on expertise and assignment type. Specialty technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials frequently command higher rates, with some earning between $35 and $55 during shifts for critical care or emergency services, especially when hospitals struggle with staffing. It's important for veterinary technologists and technicians in Auburn to assess not only potential earnings but also the benefits offered by employers. Negotiating for a higher hourly rate in exchange for fewer benefits may be appealing, but careful consideration should factor in health insurance and job security. Understanding the varying pay structures across different types of employers, whether general practices or corporate chains, can also guide strategic career decisions.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Auburn?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Auburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Auburn?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Auburn?
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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 Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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