Vet Tech salary

Kingsport vs Memphis: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Kingsport, TN
$43,814
$21.07/hr
Memphis, TN
$41,894
$20.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKingsport, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$43,814$41,894
Hourly Rate$21.07$20.14
Entry Level (P10)$34,625$35,490
25th Percentile$38,961$39,141
75th Percentile$49,859$53,204
Top Earner (P90)$58,173$58,394
Total Employed60260
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kingsport ($43,814) and Memphis ($41,894) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.KingsportMemphisMedian Salary$43,814$41,894Entry Level (P10)$34,625$35,490Top Earner (P90)$58,173$58,394US Median $49,986

Verdict

Kingsport and Memphis are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Kingsport and Memphis is $1,920 (4.58%). Kingsport's median is -12.35% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $23,548,Memphis spans $22,904. Kingsport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kingsport
P10 (Entry)$34,625
P25$38,961
Median$43,814
P75$49,859
P90 (Top)$58,173
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, Kingsport ($50,683 effective) pays 11.52% more than Memphis ($45,449 effective).

Kingsport
Nominal: $43,814
CoL Index: 86.447
Adjusted: $50,683
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 Kingsport if…

  • Higher median salary ($43,814/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,683)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($58,394)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Kingsport grew 57.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 60.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Kingsport, TN

+57.8%

$26,320 (2019) → $41,530 (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: Kingsport or Memphis?

Kingsport has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $43,814/year, compared to Memphis at $41,894/year — a difference of $1,920 (4.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kingsport and Memphis?

Kingsport veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.07/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $20.14/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kingsport and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kingsport = $50,683, Memphis = $45,449), job availability (60 vs 260 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $34,625 in Kingsport 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