Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Dothan, AL: $31,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Dothan, AL earns a median $31,872/year (≈ $15.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Dothan's price level (16% below national, BEA RPP 83.8), that paycheck buys what $38,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.5% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $31,872, which significantly trails the national median of $49,986. Local salaries reflect a range from $26,892 at the lower end to $38,434 for those in higher-paying positions. This data is drawn from official BLS OEWS surveys and indicates that while there are job opportunities, pay remains below the national average— by approximately 36.24%. Despite this, awareness of the salaries in corporate chain settings, such as VCA and BluePearl, can provide insights into the competitive aspects of the local market for potential job seekers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,892 | $12.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,194 | $14.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $31,872 | $15.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37,632 | $18.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38,434 | $18.47 |
Median Salary Position
36.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dothan
In Dothan, AL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,542 (2026 est.). At $31,872, the local median is 36.24% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dothan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dothan Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Dothan median: $31,872/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dothan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $39,106 | -18.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -36.24% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Dothan, AL earn a median of $31,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.24% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 18.50% below the Alabama state average of $39,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dothan has a cost of living 16.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dothan, AL has a cost-of-living index of 83.833 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $31,872 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,018 in an average-cost city — an effective 19.28% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$22,520
2025 BLS Actual
$30,210
2026 Current Est.
$31,872
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,624 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dothan metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $22,520 (2019) to $30,210 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $33,624 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,104 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dothan 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) | $26,892 – $30,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,194 – $31,872 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $31,872 – $37,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $37,632 – $38,434 |
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 Dothan
In Dothan, there are currently 50 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, highlighting a niche job market in the region. The cost of living index of 83.833 indicates affordability compared to national figures, affecting the take-home pay's purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate veterinary hospital chains typically offer the most competitive pay. A notable pay differentiation is seen in specialty areas and advanced credentials, such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), which can drive salaries up significantly. For technicians aspiring to maximize their earnings, pursuing specialty certification and considering roles in 24-hour emergency hospitals may enhance their marketability and earning potential as demand in these sectors continues to grow.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dothan, AL in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Dothan?
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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 $30,210 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Dothan 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, 5-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