Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dalton, GA: $18.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dalton, GA runs $18.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dalton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Dalton, Georgia, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $18.19. When compared to the national hourly median of $24.03, this figure indicates that local pay is about 24.33% lower than the national average, which can impact the lifestyle of those working in this field. For those pursuing part-time work, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,460 monthly, which can be vital for managing expenses in various practice settings — including general veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and university veterinary teaching hospitals. The hourly pay range allows entry-level workers to earn around $14.80 while experienced technicians can command as much as $22.69, reflecting their skill advancement and responsibilities within the workplace.
About the Dalton Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.80 | $118.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.52 | $124.15 |
| Median (P50) | $18.19 | $145.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.36 | $170.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.69 | $181.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dalton
Based on $18.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.19/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dalton, GA can expect to earn approximately $37,831 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,826. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dalton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dalton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $727.53 | $3,153 | $37,831 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $436.52 | $1,892 | $22,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.01 | $1,261 | $15,133 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dalton) | $18.19 |
| 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 Dalton, GA earn a median of $37,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% below the Georgia state average of $39,194.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.19/hr = $22,699/year (purchasing power: $24,381).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,831/year (purchasing power: $40,635).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dalton grew 34.1% from $12.85/hr (2019) to $17.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.19/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 Dalton 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 Dalton
Analyzing the earning potential further reveals varying dynamics based on work arrangements. For example, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week would take home around $17,520 per year, a stark contrast to full-time employees. Furthermore, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Dalton may find themselves in a lucrative position, often billing between $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists earning between $35-$55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed emergency hospitals frequently pay $30-$50, highlighting the financial incentives available in shortage markets. Employers in different settings, from corporate chains to specialty referral hospitals, present varying levels of hourly compensation. Some may prefer jobs with lower hourly rates, which provide benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher wages even if they come without health perks. Negotiating pay rates in Dalton can be strategic; having a clear understanding of your skills, market demands, and potential benefits can lead to better hourly rates.
More salary data for Dalton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dalton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dalton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dalton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Dalton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dalton?
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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 Dalton. 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 Dalton 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