Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Smyrna, GA: $18.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Smyrna, GA runs $18.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,931 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,765 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Georgia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $18.24 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate can have varied implications for part-time and per-diem workers in veterinary settings, which often include general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. Part-time employees working three days a week typically find themselves earning about $35,000 annually, which contrasts with the full-time payroll. The hourly range for veterinary technologists and technicians in Smyrna stretches from $13.89 at entry-level positions to as high as $23.95 for top earners. These figures reflect the range of skills and responsibilities that professionals in the field may possess, with pay estimates derived from broader annual salary data.
About the Smyrna 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) | $13.89 | $111.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.95 | $119.59 |
| Median (P50) | $18.24 | $145.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.10 | $176.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.95 | $191.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $18.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.24/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, GA can expect to earn approximately $37,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,889. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $729.64 | $3,162 | $37,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.78 | $1,897 | $22,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.86 | $1,265 | $15,176 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Smyrna) | $18.24 |
| 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 Smyrna, GA earn a median of $37,931 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $39,185.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.24/hr = $22,765/year (purchasing power: $24,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,941/year (purchasing power: $40,753).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Smyrna grew 34.1% from $12.89/hr (2019) to $17.29/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.24/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Veterinary technologists and technicians often face different earning potentials depending on their employment model. Those opting for part-time positions might take home between $36,000 and $40,000 annually, significantly less than what full-time employees would earn. Per diem and locum workers often command higher rates, typically between $25 and $40 per hour, and specialty technicians with VTS credentials might earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Rates may vary further based on the type of facility, with general practice clinics generally offering lower compensation compared to specialty hospitals and teaching institutions. While some may accept lower hourly wages at corporate chains for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer to negotiate for higher pay in exchange for not having benefits. Negotiation strategies in Smyrna could include emphasizing experience and specialty certifications, particularly when discussing hourly pay in an environment where demand for skilled veterinary staff remains high due to workforce shortages.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Smyrna?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Smyrna?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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