Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $18.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Opelika, AL runs $18.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the projected hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 reaches $18.73, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This translates to earning potential that varies significantly based on employment status and setting; part-time and per-diem workers in this profession, often filling roles in general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or educational institutions, may find the hourly rate becomes critical for their budgeting. With a range from $15.24 for those at entry-level positions to $24.51 for the highest earners, the variance in pay highlights the different paths available within the field. It's also worth factoring in that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating how pay can fluctuate based on workload, experience, and job responsibilities.
About the Opelika 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) | $15.24 | $121.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.99 | $127.95 |
| Median (P50) | $18.73 | $149.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.74 | $181.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.51 | $196.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $18.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.73/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,951 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,472. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $749.05 | $3,246 | $38,951 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $449.43 | $1,948 | $23,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $299.62 | $1,298 | $15,580 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Opelika) | $18.73 |
| 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 Opelika, AL earn a median of $38,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.07% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% below the Alabama state average of $39,108.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.73/hr = $23,370/year (purchasing power: $26,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,951/year (purchasing power: $44,312).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Opelika grew 34.1% from $13.23/hr (2019) to $17.75/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.76/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 Opelika 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 Opelika
Analyzing part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week could expect to take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, limited to approximately $15,725 annually based on a typical 24-hour work week. Many in the field opt for per-diem roles, which can bring higher pay ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly for those engaged in specialty areas requiring VTS credentials; this specialty status can command $35 to $55 hourly. Additionally, during weekends or night shifts in emergency veterinary situations, some technicians in Opelika can see pay rates escalate up to $50, especially in markets with staffing shortages. The structure of compensation may vary greatly across different employer types—from independent veterinary practices to corporate chains and specialized hospitals—often affecting overall benefits. Some veterinary professionals prioritize the balance of lower hourly wages for health insurance benefits rather than seeking higher pay without such coverage. For those based in Opelika, negotiating hourly rates can be enhanced by emphasizing experience with specific veterinary procedures or certifications that align with local market demand, giving a competitive edge in this growing field.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Opelika in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Opelika?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Opelika paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Opelika?
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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 Opelika. 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 Opelika 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