Johnson City vs Knoxville: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,856 | $52,761▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.68 | $25.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,118 | $37,368▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,147 | $40,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,241 | $64,376▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,868 | $64,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $13,905 (35.79%). Knoxville's median is +5.55% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $24,750,Knoxville spans $27,008. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($56,996 effective) pays 28.98% more than Johnson City ($44,191 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,761/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,376)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,996)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Johnson City grew 30.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 80.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$28,310 (2020) → $36,830 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$27,710 (2019) → $50,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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