Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $18.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $18.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.7, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,594 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earn a median hourly rate of $18.91, which falls significantly below the national median of $24.03. This disparity might influence part-time workers, such as those in general practice or specialty hospitals, where part-timers typically cover three days a week, making it essential for them to assess their weekly and monthly earnings. The hourly pay structure in Tuscaloosa ranges from entry-level positions earning approximately $14.81 to experienced professionals making up to $26.30 per hour. This data comes from the projections for 2026 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting the economic landscape for veterinary professionals in the area.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.81 | $118.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.18 | $121.45 |
| Median (P50) | $18.91 | $151.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.24 | $185.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.30 | $210.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $18.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $39,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,687. With a cost-of-living index of 87.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $756.22 | $3,277 | $39,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $453.73 | $1,966 | $23,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $302.49 | $1,311 | $15,729 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tuscaloosa) | $18.91 |
| 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 Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $39,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% above the Alabama state average of $39,124.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.91/hr = $23,594/year (purchasing power: $26,897).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,324/year (purchasing power: $44,828).
CoL index: 87.722 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tuscaloosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tuscaloosa grew 34.1% from $13.36/hr (2019) to $17.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.95/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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
When considering part-time work schedules, a three-day workweek could result in annual earnings around $29,900, a notable difference from full-time salaries. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in this region often find themselves in a competitive billing environment, with rates reaching between $25 to $40 per hour, particularly for specialized roles. Specialty technicians holding a VTS credential can command even higher rates, from $35 to $55 per hour, making it a lucrative option for those willing to work for multiple employers. Hourly wages vary significantly based on the type of facility, influencing potential wages at general practice clinics versus large corporate hospital chains or research labs. While lower hourly rates may accompany certain employers, the trade-offs such as health benefits can be a consideration for many capable of negotiating hourly pay. For those in Tuscaloosa's veterinary landscape, understanding the market dynamics is crucial in finding suitable employment opportunities and maximizing earnings potential.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tuscaloosa?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tuscaloosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tuscaloosa?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tuscaloosa?
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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 Tuscaloosa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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