Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pelham, AL: $36,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pelham, AL earns a median $36,177/year (≈ $17.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pelham's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $41,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Pelham, AL, can expect a median annual salary of $36,177 in 2026, markedly lower than the national figure of $49,986. This local estimate spans a salary range from $29,689 at the 10th percentile to $45,066 at the 90th percentile. These projections, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, reflect the ongoing demand for skilled veterinary professionals, especially those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Achieving a VTS designation can substantially enhance earning potential, positioning those individuals to command higher salaries amidst a competitive job market where specialized roles are highly valued.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,689 | $14.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,860 | $14.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,177 | $17.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,767 | $20.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,066 | $21.67 |
Median Salary Position
27.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham
In Pelham, AL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,377 (2026 est.). At $36,177, the local median is 27.63% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pelham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pelham Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pelham median: $36,177/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pelham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $39,110 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -27.63% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pelham, AL earn a median of $36,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.63% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $39,110.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pelham has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pelham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $36,177 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,563
2025 BLS Actual
$34,291
2026 Current Est.
$36,177
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,676 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,657 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,167 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pelham metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $25,563 (2019) to $34,291 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,167 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,604 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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) | $29,689 – $30,860 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,860 – $36,177 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,177 – $42,767 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,767 – $45,066 |
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 Pelham
With only four veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Pelham, the local job market illustrates the potential for salary growth, which is anticipated to rise at an annual rate of 5.50%. The area's cost-of-living index, at 87.9, suggests that while salaries might be lower compared to the national average, residents may enjoy greater purchasing power due to lower living costs. Employers across various sectors pay differently, with specialty hospitals and corporate chains like VCA offering higher wages than general practice clinics. The disparity in pay can be attributed to factors like the VTS specialty credential, the varying pay scales among corporate chains, and opportunities for promotions into lead or mentor positions. Focusing on gaining specialized credentials, such as VTS status, and seeking opportunities in corporate or specialty settings can maximize earning potential in Pelham.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 $34,291 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pelham 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
Salary data for Pelham 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