Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Homewood, AL: $18.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Homewood, AL runs $18.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Homewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,673 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Homewood, Alabama, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $18.17 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly rate influences the earning potential for part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, leading to a take-home pay that can be significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts. The pay range for this profession in Homewood spans from approximately $14.80 at the entry level to about $23.79 for top earners, indicating various opportunities depending on experience and expertise. Work settings often include general practice treatment areas, specialty veterinary hospitals, and pharmaceutical research animal facilities, each offering unique benefits and challenges, which can further affect income based on the role and facility type.
About the Homewood 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) | $14.80 | $118.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.53 | $124.24 |
| Median (P50) | $18.17 | $145.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.07 | $176.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.79 | $190.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Homewood
Based on $18.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Homewood, AL can expect to earn approximately $37,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,801. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Homewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Homewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $726.68 | $3,149 | $37,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $436.01 | $1,889 | $22,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.67 | $1,260 | $15,115 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Homewood) | $18.17 |
| 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 Homewood, AL earn a median of $37,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.39% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $39,126.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.17/hr = $22,673/year (purchasing power: $25,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,788/year (purchasing power: $42,989).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Homewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Homewood grew 34.1% from $12.84/hr (2019) to $17.22/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.17/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 Homewood 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 Homewood
The ability to work part-time as a veterinary technologist and technician presents unique financial implications. For those working three days a week, the annual earnings can contrast sharply against a full-time salary. In addition, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Homewood can be more lucrative, with rates often billed at $25-$40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians may earn between $35-$55 per hour. This trend also holds for weekend or overnight ER coverage, where understaffed hospitals frequently offer $30-$50 per hour. Employers such as general practice clinics, corporate chains, and specialty referral hospitals may offer varying hourly rates, reflecting their position in the marketplace. Although some technicians may accept lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance in more stable positions, others may prefer higher, variable pay without benefits. It can be beneficial for prospective technicians to engage in negotiations by emphasizing their certifications and specialized skills, especially in a market facing a shortage of qualified workers.
More salary data for Homewood, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Homewood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Homewood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Homewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Homewood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Homewood?
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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 Homewood. 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 Homewood 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