Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Atlanta, GA: $47,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Atlanta, GA earns a median $47,201/year (≈ $22.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $47,174 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 20.4% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Atlanta is projected to reach a median of $47,201 in 2026, showing a modest decline in comparison to the national median of $49,986. This salary is part of a wider range that spans from $40,111 at the lower end to $62,867 for those at the top of their field. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflect a growing demand for expertise in specialized areas such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) and anesthesia, where earning potential significantly increases. Veterinary technicians who pursue these VTS credentials are better positioned to command the higher end of the salary spectrum given the persistent workforce shortages in the veterinary field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,111 | $19.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,071 | $19.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,201 | $22.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,788 | $24.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,867 | $30.23 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,756 (2026 est.). At $47,201, the local median is 5.57% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Atlanta Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $47,201/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $39,203 | +20.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -5.57% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $47,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 20.40% above the Georgia state average of $39,203.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,201 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,174 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,550
2025 BLS Actual
$44,740
2026 Current Est.
$47,201
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 37.5% from $32,550 (2019) to $44,740 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,247 (52.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $40,111 – $41,071 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,071 – $47,201 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,201 – $50,788 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,788 – $62,867 |
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 Atlanta
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Atlanta is robust, with about 1,450 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index in Atlanta stands at 100.058, which is slightly above the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power for these roles. Employers in Atlanta that typically offer the highest pay include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, and academic institutions. Factors such as having a VTS specialty credential, experience in a specialty practice, and working in high-demand environments like 24-hour emergency hospitals can lead to significant pay differentials. To maximize earnings, aspiring technicians might consider seeking positions in these high-paying sectors and pursuing additional specialties to enhance their skill sets and marketability.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 $44,740 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Atlanta 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