Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Phenix City, AL: $18.50 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Phenix City, AL runs $18.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,494 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Phenix City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,094 per year.

$38,494
Median Annual Salary
$18.50/hr
Hourly Rate
$31,239
Entry Level (P10)
$48,132
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Phenix City, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Phenix City, AL veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City, Alabama, can expect a median hourly rate of $18.50, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy might impact those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities in settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or university teaching hospitals. For a 3-day work week, a veterinary technician could earn around $1,440 monthly before taxes, providing a steady income albeit on the lower end of the pay scale. Phenix City’s hourly pay range stretches from approximately $15.02 at the entry level to about $23.14 for higher-wage earners, reflecting the varying responsibilities and expertise levels among professionals in the area. It’s important to understand these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, showing the financial dynamics unique to this region.

About the Phenix City Market

Salary estimated from Alabama average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$15.02$120.19
Lower Range (P25)$15.82$126.60
Median (P50)$18.50$148.04
Upper Range (P75)$21.78$174.20
Top Earners (P90)$23.14$185.09

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phenix City

Based on $18.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Phenix City earning $18.50/hr would make approximately $22,206 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $38,490 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$22,206Reduced (32 hr/wk)$29,608Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$38,490

At $18.50/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phenix City, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,206. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Phenix City.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$148.04
per 8hr shift
$740.19
per week
$3,207
per month
$38,490
per year

Schedule Comparison in Phenix City

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$740.19$3,207$38,490
Part-Time (24 hrs)$444.11$1,924$23,094
Per Diem (16 hrs)$296.08$1,283$15,396

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Phenix City)$18.50
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Phenix City ($38,494) with Alabama average ($39,120) and the US national median ($49,986).Phenix City$38,494Alabama Avg$39,120-1.60%US National$49,986-22.99%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Phenix City, AL earn a median of $38,494 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.99% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $39,120.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $18.50/hr = $23,094/year (purchasing power: $26,273).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,490/year (purchasing power: $43,788).

CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$13.08/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$17.54/hr

2026 Current Est.

$18.50/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Phenix City (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City. Baseline $13.08/hr in 2025, projected to $19.52/hr by 2027.$12$14$16$19$212019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$13.08$13.42$13.64$14.16$16.19$13.31$17.54$18.50$19.52
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$13.08/hrActual
2020$13.42/hrActual
2021$13.64/hrActual
2022$14.16/hrActual
2023$16.19/hrActual
2024$13.31/hrActual
2025$17.54/hrActual
2026(current)$18.50/hrEstimated
2027$19.52/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City grew 34.1% from $13.08/hr (2019) to $17.54/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.52/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phenix City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Phenix City

When evaluating the financial landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City, part-time positions—while convenient—offer limited growth potential compared to full-time roles. Working 24 hours per week, a veterinary technologist could see an annual take-home of around $17,280, which pales in comparison to a full-time technician's earning capacity. For those considering per-diem roles, it’s common for veterinary technicians to bill between $25 and $40 per hour, especially during high-demand shifts. Facilities requiring overnight or weekend coverage frequently offer pay in the range of $30 to $50 per hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer; those working in corporate veterinary chains may see different pay scales compared to specialty or university settings. Moreover, while some technicians might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer the flexibility of lower-paying per-diem positions. When negotiating, it’s advisable for professionals to emphasize their certifications, such as those from NAVTA or AVMA CVTEA, to justify requesting higher pay reflective of their skills and contributions in a challenging job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City is $18.50/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $15.02 at entry level (10th percentile) to $23.14 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 23.0% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Phenix City?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Phenix City earns approximately $1,924/month, or $23,094/year at the median hourly rate of $18.50. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City are paid hourly at a median rate of $18.50/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $38,490/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Phenix City?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Phenix City earns approximately $38,490/year at the median hourly rate of $18.50. This is 23.0% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $48,123/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Phenix City?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Phenix City sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $23.14/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 Phenix City. 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 Phenix City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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