Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $15.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dothan, AL runs $15.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $31,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,118 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, AL, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $15.32 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This discrepancy means that part-time professionals, often working three days a week, could find their income limited despite contributing vital expertise in various settings such as general practice, specialty hospitals, academic institutions, and zoo medical units. The hourly compensation ranges from $12.93 at the lower end, which may accommodate entry-level roles, reaching up to $18.47 for top earners within the profession. Such figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicating a clear economic context for those looking to pursue or further their career in veterinary technology in Dothan.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.93 | $103.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.52 | $116.13 |
| Median (P50) | $15.32 | $122.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.09 | $144.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $18.47 | $147.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $15.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $31,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,382. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $612.74 | $2,655 | $31,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $367.65 | $1,593 | $19,118 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $245.10 | $1,062 | $12,745 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dothan) | $15.32 |
| 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 Dothan, AL earn a median of $31,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.24% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 18.50% below the Alabama state average of $39,106.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $15.32/hr = $19,118/year (purchasing power: $22,804).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $31,863/year (purchasing power: $38,007).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dothan grew 34.1% from $10.82/hr (2019) to $14.52/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.16/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 Dothan 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 Dothan
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working in Dothan can yield annual earnings significantly less than a full-time position. A part-time worker clocking in for 24 hours a week, at the median hourly rate, would take home roughly $19,100 annually, often requiring strategic consideration of per diem opportunities for supplemental income. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Dothan can range from $25 to $40 per hour, with credentialed specialists earning even more—potentially up to $55 per hour in specialized settings. Hourly pay can vary greatly across employer types; general practice clinics may offer lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. This reality drives many in the field to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others negotiate higher pay for more flexible, benefits-free positions. Understanding local market rates and articulating specific skills, especially those relevant to high-demand veterinary fields, can empower technicians to negotiate effectively in Dothan’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dothan in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dothan?
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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 Dothan. 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