Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $17.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pelham, AL runs $17.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,177 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,711 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at a median of $17.40. This is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03/hour, which reflects broader compensation trends. For part-time and per-diem workers, who might typically work in various roles such as in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, or even research labs, this hourly rate can impact overall earnings. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $14.27/hour, while experienced professionals reaching the upper echelons of the pay scale could earn about $21.67/hour. These figures indicate that while veterinary technologists and technicians can have a stable income, the local market in Pelham presents challenges compared to the national average.
About the Pelham 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) | $14.27 | $114.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.83 | $118.67 |
| Median (P50) | $17.40 | $139.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.56 | $164.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.67 | $173.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $17.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $36,186 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,876. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $695.88 | $3,015 | $36,186 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $417.53 | $1,809 | $21,711 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $278.35 | $1,206 | $14,474 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pelham) | $17.40 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $36,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.63% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $39,110.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.40/hr = $21,711/year (purchasing power: $24,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,186/year (purchasing power: $41,167).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pelham grew 34.1% from $12.29/hr (2019) to $16.49/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.35/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
Looking more closely at hourly work dynamics, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week may take home around $20,000 annually, which is considerably less than what full-time counterparts would earn. Per-diem opportunities can offer different earning potentials; those in this position often see rates between $25 and $40/hour, and VTS-credentialed specialty techs command even higher wages, sometimes reaching $35-$55/hour. Additionally, roles in corporate settings, such as VCA or BluePearl hospitals, can vary in pay, often influenced by the demand for coverage in specific areas like emergency or specialty care. Technologists may weigh the decision to accept lower hourly rates for health benefits against higher pay options without additional perks. For those negotiating, being aware of these factors and advocating for competitive rates is crucial, especially considering the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage impacting pay scales across Pelham, AL.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pelham in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pelham?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pelham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pelham?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pelham?
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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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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