Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $18.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Birmingham, AL runs $18.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,489 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Birmingham, Alabama, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly wage of $18.82, which is considerably lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity indicates that many professionals in this field may find their earnings limited, particularly in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. Hourly rates for these positions range from $15.21 for entry-level roles to $25.32 for the most experienced technicians. This information, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, sheds light on the potential earnings for those who might work part-time or take per-diem opportunities in Birmingham. Understanding this hourly pay structure is essential for current and aspiring veterinary professionals who want to make informed career decisions.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.21 | $121.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.79 | $126.35 |
| Median (P50) | $18.82 | $150.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.84 | $166.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.32 | $202.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $18.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.82/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $39,148 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,585. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $752.85 | $3,262 | $39,148 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $451.71 | $1,957 | $23,489 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $301.14 | $1,305 | $15,659 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Birmingham) | $18.82 |
| 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 Birmingham, AL earn a median of $39,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.70% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Alabama state average of $39,101.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.82/hr = $23,489/year (purchasing power: $25,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,148/year (purchasing power: $42,718).
CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Birmingham grew 10.3% from $16.17/hr (2019) to $17.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.86/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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham
For those considering part-time work, earning potential is notably different. A veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, could expect to take home about $29,471 annually. This amount is substantially less than a full-time salary but allows for flexibility, which some may prefer. Per-diem roles can offer higher pay ranges, typically billing between $25 and $40 per hour; VTS-credentialed specialists may earn even more, up to $55 per hour in demanding environments. The hourly earnings in Birmingham can vary significantly across different types of employers—general veterinary clinics typically offer lower rates compared to corporate hospitals or specialty facilities. Some professionals may choose to prioritize higher hourly wages, while others may accept lower rates in exchange for health benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Birmingham, veterinary technologists and technicians should consider these variables and leverage their skills to secure competitive compensation, particularly in a market facing workforce shortages.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Birmingham in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Birmingham?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Birmingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Birmingham?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Birmingham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 Birmingham. 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, 7-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