Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,761▲ | $41,104 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.36▲ | $19.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,368▲ | $31,002 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,354▲ | $33,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,376▲ | $49,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,376▲ | $55,147 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $11,657 (28.36%). 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 Knoxville spans $27,008,Oak Ridge spans $24,145. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($56,996 effective) pays 27.29% more than Oak Ridge ($44,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Knoxville grew 80.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$27,710 (2019) → $50,010 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$30,623 (2024) → $38,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
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