Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $18.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Valdosta, GA runs $18.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,212 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $18.60 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national hourly median of $24.03, highlighting the regional wage disparity. For those considering part-time work—such as three days per week—this hourly rate translates into a yearly income of approximately $29,069. Per-diem opportunities are also available, particularly in diverse settings that include general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research environments. Within this scope, hourly earnings can range from $14.74 at the lower end to as much as $25.13 for those at the top of the pay scale. Understanding these rates can help veterinary professionals make informed choices about their career trajectories in Valdosta.
About the Valdosta 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) | $14.74 | $117.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.67 | $125.33 |
| Median (P50) | $18.60 | $148.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.97 | $183.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.13 | $201.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $18.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.60/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $38,687 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,320. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $743.99 | $3,224 | $38,687 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $446.39 | $1,934 | $23,212 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.59 | $1,290 | $15,475 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Valdosta) | $18.60 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $38,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.63% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Georgia state average of $39,186.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.60/hr = $23,212/year (purchasing power: $24,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,687/year (purchasing power: $41,555).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Valdosta grew 37.3% from $12.84/hr (2019) to $17.63/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.62/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
When analyzing the financial landscape for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, a three-day work week typically yields lower annual earnings compared to full-time positions. Success in securing per-diem jobs can lead to higher hourly rates, with per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Valdosta often billed at $25 to $40 per hour. VTS-credentialed specialists may command even higher wages, with rates averaging $35 to $55 per hour. Different types of employers play a critical role in setting these pay scales. For instance, general practice clinics may offer different rates than corporate veterinary chains or specialty referral hospitals, where staffing shortages can drive up wages, especially for weekend and overnight shifts. The choice between lower hourly wages with benefits or higher pay without can be a significant factor for many in the field. As market dynamics evolve, effective negotiation can enhance pay prospects, allowing professionals to better align their compensation with the demand for skilled veterinary care in Valdosta.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Valdosta in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Valdosta?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Valdosta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Valdosta?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Valdosta?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Valdosta. 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 Valdosta 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