Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $18.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $18.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vestavia Hills, AL, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $18.05, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity highlights the challenges local professionals face in securing competitive compensation within their field. For those considering part-time or per-diem work arrangements—which are common in settings like veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals—the hourly income can vary considerably. Within the local context, entry-level technicians might start at approximately $13.99 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn up to $23.46 hourly, demonstrating a range that reflects differing levels of expertise and employer types.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $13.99 | $111.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.89 | $119.09 |
| Median (P50) | $18.05 | $144.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.79 | $174.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.46 | $187.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $18.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.05/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $37,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,661. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $722.04 | $3,129 | $37,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $433.23 | $1,877 | $22,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $288.82 | $1,252 | $15,018 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Vestavia Hills) | $18.05 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $37,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.87% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $39,121.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.05/hr = $22,528/year (purchasing power: $25,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,546/year (purchasing power: $42,715).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vestavia Hills grew 34.1% from $12.75/hr (2019) to $17.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.04/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
For veterinary technologists and technicians working part-time, specifically those putting in about 24 hours per week, the annual take-home pay can fall significantly short compared to full-time positions—especially given the potential for increased workload flexibility and variety. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Vestavia Hills can allow professionals to command higher billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, particularly for those taking on roles in specialty practices or emergency hospitals. The pressing workforce shortage has driven rates higher, especially for qualified Veterinary Technician Specialists who may earn between $35 and $55 per hour in niche roles. As various employers offer different pay structures, from general practices to corporate chains and specialty facilities, professionals must negotiate their compensation carefully, weighing benefits such as health insurance against higher pay without them. Understanding the local market dynamics and aligning expectations with industry standards can equip technicians in Vestavia Hills to make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Vestavia Hills?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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