Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Daphne, AL: $18.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Daphne, AL runs $18.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Daphne's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is set at $18.39. This figure reflects a notable difference when compared to the national hourly median of $24.03, indicating a regional pay gap. For those seeking part-time positions, working three days a week can yield a practical income, though it may not fully meet the financial expectations set by full-time positions. Per-diem workers can expect to earn within the hourly range, which starts at $13.85 for entry-level positions and can rise to around $24.56 for top earners who have specialized skills. The variety of work settings in Daphne, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, influences these earnings, demonstrating the different opportunities available in this sector.
About the Daphne 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) | $13.85 | $110.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.88 | $119.00 |
| Median (P50) | $18.39 | $147.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.50 | $172.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.56 | $196.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daphne
Based on $18.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.39/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daphne, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,248 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,066. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Daphne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daphne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $735.55 | $3,187 | $38,248 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $441.33 | $1,912 | $22,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.22 | $1,275 | $15,299 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Daphne) | $18.39 |
| 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 Daphne, AL earn a median of $38,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.46% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $39,118.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.39/hr = $22,949/year (purchasing power: $26,108).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,248/year (purchasing power: $43,514).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Daphne grew 41.5% from $12.32/hr (2019) to $17.43/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.40/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 Daphne 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 Daphne
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Daphne is particularly compelling, as someone working a three-day week (24 hours) can take home approximately $22,188 annually. This income contrasts sharply with that of full-time staff, highlighting the choice many make between flexible scheduling and stable earnings. Per-diem and agency work often allows professionals to command higher hourly rates, with some billing between $25 and $40. Specialty technologists may even see $35 to $55 depending on their credentials and the demands of the position. However, an important consideration is the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that offer health insurance and job security. Negotiating effectively in Daphne’s market can greatly benefit aspiring and current veterinary technologists and technicians, especially by focusing on experience, credentials such as VTS, and the significant workforce shortage currently affecting the profession.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Daphne in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Daphne?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Daphne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Daphne?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Daphne?
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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 Daphne. 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 Daphne 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