Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Decatur, AL: $37,959 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Decatur, AL earns a median $37,959/year (≈ $18.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.2), that paycheck buys what $43,525 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $37,959 for 2026, a figure considerably lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range indicates variability in compensation, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $32,494 and experienced professionals earning up to $40,881. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflect the impact of factors like corporate pay scales often seen in chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl. As the demand for veterinary services continues to rise, the compensation in Decatur highlights both the opportunity and challenges faced by professionals in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,494 | $15.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,876 | $16.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,959 | $18.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39,003 | $18.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40,881 | $19.65 |
Median Salary Position
24.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $8,387 (2026 est.). At $37,959, the local median is 24.06% below the national median of $49,986.
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How Decatur Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Decatur median: $37,959/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $39,133 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -24.06% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Decatur, AL earn a median of $37,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.06% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Alabama state average of $39,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 12.79% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.212 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $37,959 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,525 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,150
2025 BLS Actual
$35,980
2026 Current Est.
$37,959
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,959 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,047 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 27.8% from $28,150 (2019) to $35,980 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,047 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,897 (42.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,494 – $33,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,876 – $37,959 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,959 – $39,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $39,003 – $40,881 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Decatur
In this market, about 60 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed, and the area's cost of living index is notably below the national average at 87.212. This can influence take-home pay and overall purchasing power for individuals in the profession. Corporate chain hospitals, particularly VCA and BluePearl, typically offer better pay structures compared to general practice clinics, but specialty referral hospitals may command even higher wages, especially for those pursuing VTS specialty credentials. Factors like experience, specialization, and the type of clinic can drive significant differences in pay. To maximize earnings in Decatur, veterinary professionals should consider advancing their education and credentials, particularly through VTS pathways, which could lead to earning rates of $30 to $45+ per hour in specialized roles.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $35,980 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Decatur metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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