Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gadsden, AL: $18.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gadsden, AL runs $18.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,847 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gadsden's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gadsden, Alabama, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $18.20 in 2026. This figure is notably below the national hourly median of $24.03, which reflects the local cost of living and demand for these professionals. For part-time workers, especially those clocking in three days a week, this translates to a steady but modest income, allowing flexibility while working in diverse settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university teaching hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. Entry-level positions may start at around $14.88 per hour, while those with more experience can reach the upper end of the pay scale, earning up to $23.92 per hour. Overall, these numbers highlight the varying financial landscapes within the veterinary field in Gadsden and AL at large.
About the Gadsden 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) | $15.58 | $124.66 |
| Median (P50) | $18.20 | $145.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.11 | $176.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.92 | $191.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gadsden
Based on $18.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.20/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gadsden, AL can expect to earn approximately $37,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,839. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gadsden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gadsden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $727.95 | $3,154 | $37,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $436.77 | $1,893 | $22,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.18 | $1,262 | $15,141 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gadsden) | $18.20 |
| 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 Gadsden, AL earn a median of $37,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.28% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $39,139.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.20/hr = $22,712/year (purchasing power: $25,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,853/year (purchasing power: $43,064).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gadsden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gadsden grew 34.1% from $12.86/hr (2019) to $17.25/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.20/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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden
Considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week will typically take home significantly less on an annual basis compared to a full-time counterpart. Systematically, this could mean earnings of roughly $22,653 for part-time hours versus a full-time salary of nearly $37,847. The per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Gadsden often ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, providing an attractive option for those looking to maximize their hourly rate without full-time commitment. Specialty technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can further increase their earnings to $35-$55 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. It’s common for hospitals in Gadsden, especially corporate chains and specialty facilities, to offer varying rates based on their staffing needs, with some paying up to $30-$50 per hour for overnight shifts. Many professionals in this field face the trade-off between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher pay without insurance. For those negotiating their hourly wage, emphasizing specialized skills or a willingness to work less desirable shifts can often yield better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Gadsden, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gadsden in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gadsden?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gadsden?
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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 Gadsden. 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 Gadsden 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