Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Vestavia Hills, AL: $37,556 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Vestavia Hills, AL earns a median $37,556/year (≈ $18.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Vestavia Hills's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $42,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Alabama state average.

$37,556
Median Annual Salary
$18.05/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$29,104
Entry Level (P10)
$48,802
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Vestavia Hills, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Vestavia Hills, AL veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, can expect a median annual salary of $37,556. This figure indicates a notable salary range, with earnings spanning from $29,104 at the lower end (P10) to $48,802 at the high end (P90). These estimates derive from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which is an important consideration in this market. When compared to the national median salary of $49,986, the compensation in Vestavia Hills is approximately 24.87% lower, reflecting a salary gradient typical of specialty hospitals versus general practice settings in the area. The compensation opportunities available suggest a more limited capacity for high earnings unless specialized training and credentials are pursued.

About the Vestavia Hills Market

Salary estimated from Alabama average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$29,104$13.99
Lower Range (P25)$30,973$14.89
Median (P50)(typical)$37,556$18.05
Upper Range (P75)$45,306$21.79
Top Earners (P90)$48,802$23.46

Median Salary Position

$29,104$49,986
City Median: $37,556
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

24.87% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vestavia Hills

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Vestavia Hills. The median salary is $37,556, compared to the national median of $49,986.$26.2K$32.8K$39.3K$45.9K$52.5K$29.1K10th Pctl$31.0K25th Pctl$37.6KMedian$45.3K75th Pctl$48.8K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Vestavia Hills, AL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,698 (2026 est.). At $37,556, the local median is 24.87% below the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Vestavia Hills metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$722
per week
$3,129
per month
$37,546
per year

At 40 hours/week in Vestavia Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Vestavia Hills Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Vestavia Hills median: $37,556/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryVestavia Hills Pays
Alabama Average$39,121-4.00% less
National Average$49,986-24.87% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Vestavia Hills ($37,556) with Alabama average ($39,121) and the US national median ($49,986).Vestavia Hills$37,556Alabama Avg$39,121-4.00%US National$49,986-24.87%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $37,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.87% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $39,121.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$37,556
Nominal Salary
87.9
CoL Index
$42,726
Adjusted Salary

Vestavia Hills 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.

The nominal salary is $37,556. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 87.9, the purchasing-power equivalent is $42,726, a gain of $5,170.$31.9K$38.3K$44.7K$51.1K$57.5K$37,556NominalSalary$42,726CoL Adjusted(CoL: 87.9) 13.77%US Median $50.0K

Vestavia Hills, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $37,556 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,726 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$26,537

2025 BLS Actual

$35,598

2026 Current Est.

$37,556

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vestavia Hills (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vestavia Hills. Baseline $26,537 in 2025, projected to $39,621 by 2027.$23.9K$28.5K$33.1K$37.7K$42.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.5K$27.2K$27.7K$28.7K$32.9K$27.0K$35.6K$37.6K$39.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$26,537Actual
2020$27,243Actual
2021$27,686Actual
2022$28,731Actual
2023$32,863Actual
2024$27,004Actual
2025$35,598Actual
2026(current)$37,556Estimated
2027$39,621Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vestavia Hills metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $26,537 (2019) to $35,598 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,621 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,084 (49.30%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vestavia Hills metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$29,104$30,973
3-5 years (Mid Career)$30,973$37,556
5+ years (Experienced)$37,556$45,306
10+ years (Top Earner)$45,306$48,802

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 Vestavia Hills

The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vestavia Hills includes a modest cohort of eight practitioners. With a cost-of-living index standing at 87.9, earning potential translates into a better quality of life, although salaries remain below the national average. Specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities such as VCA and BluePearl may offer higher pay scales, often providing varying pay structures that can enhance overall income potential. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include advanced specialty credentials like VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in fields such as emergency care and anesthesia, which can significantly boost earnings. For those aiming to maximize their salaries in this competitive environment, gaining these specialized credentials or seeking employment at high-demand facilities are strategies worth considering to command larger compensation packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Vestavia Hills, AL in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Vestavia Hills is $37,556/year ($18.05/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $29,104 at entry level (10th percentile) to $48,802 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Vestavia Hills at 24.9% below the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Vestavia Hills, AL a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Vestavia Hills veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 24.9% below the national average and 4.0% below the Alabama state average. The metro area employs approximately 8 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Vestavia Hills?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Vestavia Hills is $37,556, and the 90th percentile earns $48,802. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Vestavia Hills?

After adjusting for Vestavia Hills's cost-of-living index of 87.9 (where 100 equals the national average), the $37,556 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $42,726 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 13.8% further in Vestavia Hills compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for veterinary technologists and technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Vestavia Hills?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vestavia Hills earn a median hourly rate of $18.05, which translates to approximately $37,556/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $13.99 for entry-level positions to $23.46 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Alabama

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $35,598 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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