Agriculture & Environment Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Veterinary Technician Salary in Tennessee

The median veterinary technician salary in Tennessee is $34,043 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $38,250.

Median Salary
$34,043
vs National
$-4,207
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Veterinary Technician Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for veterinary technician compensation. Veterinary Technician salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $34,043 per year, veterinary technicians in Tennessee earn $4,207 less than the national median of $38,250.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $34,043 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $38,251 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: veterinary technicians at the 10th percentile earn $24,030, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $48,950 — a $24,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $38,250.

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Tennessee and beyond.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $25,810, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,170 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,810
$-3,190 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,710
$-4,290 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,170
$-5,830 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $24,030
25th Percentile $28,480
Median (50th) $34,043
75th Percentile $40,940
90th Percentile $48,950

Veterinary Technician Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for veterinary technicians in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Tennessee? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Tennessee is $34,043 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $24,030 (10th percentile) to $48,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,043, a veterinary technician in Tennessee earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for veterinary technicians? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for veterinary technician pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level veterinary technicians earn $25,810, while senior professionals earn $47,170.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for veterinary technician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinary technicians is Hawaii at $65,025. Tennessee's median of $34,043 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($34,043) and South Carolina ($34,043).
What is the entry-level veterinary technician salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level veterinary technician in Tennessee earns approximately $25,810 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $34,710. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $47,170.
What city in Tennessee pays veterinary technicians the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for veterinary technicians, with a median salary of $38,250. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.