Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $22.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Atlanta, GA runs $22.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,321 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians working in Atlanta, Georgia can expect a median hourly rate of $22.69 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This compensation is relevant for both full-time staff and part-time or per-diem workers, who often find flexible opportunities across diverse settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university veterinary hospitals, and even zoological facilities. The hourly earnings in Atlanta range from $19.29 for entry-level positions to as much as $30.23 for experienced technicians, revealing a significant earning potential based on experience and workplace demand. Such data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, provides a valuable benchmark for those considering a career in this essential field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.29 | $154.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.75 | $158.00 |
| Median (P50) | $22.69 | $181.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.41 | $195.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.23 | $241.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $22.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.69/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $47,202 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,232. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.72 | $3,933 | $47,202 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.63 | $2,360 | $28,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.09 | $1,573 | $18,881 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Atlanta) | $22.69 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $47,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 20.40% above the Georgia state average of $39,203.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.69/hr = $28,321/year (purchasing power: $28,305).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,202/year (purchasing power: $47,174).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Atlanta grew 37.4% from $15.65/hr (2019) to $21.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.94/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Examining the hourly earnings of part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals intriguing financial dynamics. A professional working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, making it essential to calculate the real takeaway after taxes and deductions. Per diem roles, often billed at rates between $25 and $40 per hour, grant additional flexibility and can be particularly lucrative in high-demand situations, such as overnight emergency coverages, where rates can reach $30-$50 per hour. Hourly pay varies notably among different employer types in Atlanta; for instance, those employed in corporate veterinary hospitals or specializing in surgical or emergency services can earn more than staff in general practice clinics. Ultimately, many veterinary technologists and technicians must weigh potential benefits against hourly pay rates, considering how much they value health insurance versus higher hourly wages with no benefits. Negotiating offers effectively in this market can lead to better pay, particularly for those with specialty credentials, such as VTS, which can command significantly elevated rates.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Atlanta in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Atlanta?
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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 Atlanta. 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, 7-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