Vet Tech salary

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

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

Memphis, TN
$41,894
$20.14/hr
Nashville, TN
$47,095
$22.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$41,894$47,095
Hourly Rate$20.14$22.64
Entry Level (P10)$35,490$38,782
25th Percentile$39,141$39,974
75th Percentile$53,204$54,364
Top Earner (P90)$58,394$61,812
Total Employed260470
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($41,894) and Nashville ($47,095) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MemphisNashvilleMedian Salary$41,894$47,095Entry Level (P10)$35,490$38,782Top Earner (P90)$58,394$61,812US Median $49,986

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.

The salary gap between Memphis and Nashville is $5,201 (12.41%). Nashville's median is -5.78% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $22,904,Nashville spans $23,030. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$35,490
P25$39,141
Median$41,894
P75$53,204
P90 (Top)$58,394
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$38,782
P25$39,974
Median$47,095
P75$54,364
P90 (Top)$61,812

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($48,885 effective) pays 7.56% more than Memphis ($45,449 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $41,894
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $45,449
Nashville
Nominal: $47,095
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $48,885

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,095/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,812)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,885)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Memphis grew 60.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+60.0%

$24,820 (2019) → $39,710 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+16.5%

$38,330 (2019) → $44,640 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nashville has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,095/year, compared to Memphis at $41,894/year — a difference of $5,201 (12.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Nashville?

Memphis veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.14/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $22.64/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $45,449, Nashville = $48,885), job availability (260 vs 470 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $35,490 in Memphis and $38,782 in Nashville. The Nashville 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