Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $18.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Columbus, GA runs $18.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,413 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,041 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $18.46, which is notably below the national median of $24.03. This disparity highlights the financial landscape for professionals in the area, where many in the field work part-time, typically three days a week, earning a steady income that aligns with their availability. For those considering per-diem opportunities in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics, the potential for flexible work arrangements can create a variable income range. Entry-level positions may start at around $15.10 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $25.14 per hour, according to the projected 2026 data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. This insight into hourly compensation sheds light on the economic conditions that veterinary technologists face in Columbus.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.10 | $120.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.57 | $124.57 |
| Median (P50) | $18.46 | $147.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.83 | $158.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.14 | $201.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $18.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $38,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,155. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $738.50 | $3,200 | $38,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.10 | $1,920 | $23,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.40 | $1,280 | $15,361 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Columbus) | $18.46 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $38,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Georgia state average of $39,196.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.46/hr = $23,041/year (purchasing power: $25,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,402/year (purchasing power: $43,005).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus grew 26.5% from $13.83/hr (2019) to $17.50/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.48/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For veterinary technologists and technicians opting for part-time work in Columbus, a 24-hour weekly schedule can yield an annual take-home pay that reflects a significant difference compared to full-time positions. Per-diem opportunities escalate this potential, with some vet techs billing between $25 and $40 per hour in temporary roles, while those with VTS specialty credentials often command $35 to $55. Emergency and critical care positions can further boost earnings, particularly during nights and weekends, when rates can rise to between $30 and $50 per hour in shortage markets. The type of employer significantly influences pay, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral clinics generally offering different pay scales compared to general practices or research facilities. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly compensation in exchange for the flexibility of freelance work. When negotiating hourly rates in Columbus, it's essential to consider experience level and local demand trends, particularly as the veterinary workforce continues to experience shortages, driving rates higher and creating diverse employment options.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbus?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Columbus?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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