Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $18.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Northport, AL runs $18.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,199 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northport, Alabama, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $18.37 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This pay range suggests limited earning potential for part-time workers, those securing about 24 hours a week, who can expect to make roughly $22,700 annually. For per-diem workers in various settings—such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and research facilities—hourly opportunities exist, although they may fluctuate based on the nature and urgency of the work. Entry-level practitioners might earn around $13.79 per hour, while experienced technicians could see hourly rates rise to $23.34. Overall, the hourly figures represent estimated conversions from annual salary data, reflecting the competitive yet constrained compensation for this profession in Northport.
About the Northport 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) | $13.79 | $110.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.81 | $118.50 |
| Median (P50) | $18.37 | $146.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.84 | $174.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.34 | $186.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $18.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,041. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $734.70 | $3,184 | $38,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.82 | $1,910 | $22,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.88 | $1,273 | $15,282 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Northport) | $18.37 |
| 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 Northport, AL earn a median of $38,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $39,139.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.37/hr = $22,923/year (purchasing power: $26,078).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,205/year (purchasing power: $43,464).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Northport grew 34.1% from $12.98/hr (2019) to $17.41/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.38/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 Northport 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 Northport
Considering the context of part-time and per-diem veterinary roles, individuals working three days a week could find their annual incomes falling significantly short of what full-time technologists earn. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Northport varies notably, with rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, especially for those with specialized credentials like VTS. Weekend or overnight ER shifts can command even higher pay, between $30 and $50 per hour, as demand surges in understaffed markets. However, job type—be it in corporate chain hospitals such as VCA or specialty referral facilities—can alter hourly rates. While higher-paying roles often lack benefits, many technicians opt for slightly lower pay offered by employers that provide health insurance. Negotiating these factors can be crucial, particularly in Northport's evolving job market, where competition for skilled technicians is intensifying, and the value of credentialing pathways like VTS becomes increasingly recognized.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Northport in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Northport?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Northport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Northport?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Northport?
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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 Northport. 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 Northport 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