Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hoover, AL: $18.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hoover, AL runs $18.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,498 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hoover's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,700 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hoover, Alabama, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $18.99, which is substantially lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate offers a significant insight for part-time workers, who might expect to bring in around $1,519 monthly working three days a week. The pay reflects the varying demands of different environments where these professionals operate, ranging from general practice treatment areas to specialty hospitals and even research facilities. Entry-level positions start at approximately $14.22 per hour, with top earners reaching about $25.38 per hour, indicating a broad spectrum of earning potential within the field in Hoover. These figures are derived from annual salary data and suggest that while the hourly pay is competitive locally, it still falls behind national averages.
About the Hoover 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) | $14.22 | $113.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.39 | $123.14 |
| Median (P50) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.22 | $185.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.38 | $203.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hoover
Based on $18.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.99/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hoover, AL can expect to earn approximately $39,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,788. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hoover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hoover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $759.60 | $3,292 | $39,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.76 | $1,975 | $23,700 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.84 | $1,317 | $15,800 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hoover) | $18.99 |
| 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 Hoover, AL earn a median of $39,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% above the Alabama state average of $39,107.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.99/hr = $23,700/year (purchasing power: $26,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,499/year (purchasing power: $44,937).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hoover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hoover grew 34.1% from $13.42/hr (2019) to $18.00/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.03/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 Hoover 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 Hoover
For those considering part-time work as a veterinary technologist and technician in Hoover, earnings can differ dramatically based on employment type and hours worked. A part-time technician working 24 hours a week may take home around $24,000 annually, compared to nearly $39,000 for a full-time equivalent. Many per diem veterinary technologists command billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, and specialists with VTS credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly during high-demand shifts like weekends or overnight emergency coverage. Employers in Hoover include corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities, often controlling salary ranges and benefits offered. Workers need to weigh the prospect of higher hourly rates without benefits against positions with lower rates but better health insurance offerings. Networking and knowledge of market conditions can give local veterinary technologists an edge in salary negotiations, allowing them to maximize their compensation in a rapidly evolving job market.
More salary data for Hoover, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hoover in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hoover?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hoover paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hoover?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hoover?
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 Hoover. 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 Hoover 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