Vet Tech salary

Johnson City vs Memphis: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Johnson City, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnson City, TN
$38,856
$18.68/hr
Memphis, TN
$41,894
$20.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnson City, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$38,856$41,894
Hourly Rate$18.68$20.14
Entry Level (P10)$29,118$35,490
25th Percentile$37,147$39,141
75th Percentile$51,241$53,204
Top Earner (P90)$53,868$58,394
Total Employed50260
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnson City ($38,856) and Memphis ($41,894) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Johnson CityMemphisMedian Salary$38,856$41,894Entry Level (P10)$29,118$35,490Top Earner (P90)$53,868$58,394US Median $49,986

Verdict

Memphis, 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 Memphis is $3,038 (7.82%). Memphis's median is -16.19% 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,Memphis spans $22,904. Johnson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Johnson City
P10 (Entry)$29,118
P25$37,147
Median$38,856
P75$51,241
P90 (Top)$53,868
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$35,490
P25$39,141
Median$41,894
P75$53,204
P90 (Top)$58,394

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($45,449 effective) pays 2.85% more than Johnson City ($44,191 effective).

Johnson City
Nominal: $38,856
CoL Index: 87.928
Adjusted: $44,191
Memphis
Nominal: $41,894
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $45,449

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 Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,894/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,394)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,449)
  • 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 60.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Johnson City, TN

+30.1%

$28,310 (2020) → $36,830 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+60.0%

$24,820 (2019) → $39,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Johnson City or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $41,894/year, compared to Johnson City at $38,856/year — a difference of $3,038 (7.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Memphis?

Johnson City veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.68/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $20.14/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnson City to Memphis as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnson City and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnson City = $44,191, Memphis = $45,449), job availability (50 vs 260 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Johnson City vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,118 in Johnson City and $35,490 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
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

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