Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Clarksville, TN: $19.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Clarksville, TN runs $19.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Clarksville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,174 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Clarksville, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $19.37, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference implies that professionals in the area may find it challenging to meet cost-of-living expenses, which is reflected in Clarksville's cost of living index of 90.947. Part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,036.80 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule, which provides opportunities to balance work and other responsibilities. Entry-level positions earn approximately $14.77 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $24.87 per hour. Wages in the field can vary depending on the work environment, including clinics, specialty hospitals, or educational settings, but these figures provide a clearer picture of the earning potential based on official BLS data.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.77 | $118.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.96 | $143.65 |
| Median (P50) | $19.37 | $154.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.66 | $189.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.87 | $198.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksville
Based on $19.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksville, TN can expect to earn approximately $40,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,244. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $774.79 | $3,357 | $40,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $464.88 | $2,014 | $24,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $309.92 | $1,343 | $16,116 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Clarksville) | $19.37 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Clarksville, TN earn a median of $40,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.40% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Tennessee state average of $41,882.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.37/hr = $24,174/year (purchasing power: $26,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,289/year (purchasing power: $44,300).
CoL index: 90.947 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Clarksville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clarksville grew 44.9% from $12.67/hr (2019) to $18.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clarksville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Clarksville
Considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week may earn around $53,914 annually, depending on the hours worked and specific roles. In contrast, full-time technicians could see higher earnings, making their salary relatively advantageous. For those navigating the per diem landscape, billing rates can range between $25 to $40 per hour and are particularly promising for VTS-credentialed specialists, who may earn between $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts at understaffed emergency hospitals can command $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the acute workforce shortage in the region. When evaluating offers from different employers in Clarksville, it's crucial to consider the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits. Corporate chains might offer stability and insurance options, while independent practices could present higher rates without the same benefits. To maximize pay, technicians should confidently negotiate their hourly rates by understanding local market standards and expressing their unique qualifications, especially if they hold specialized credentials.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clarksville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Clarksville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Clarksville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Clarksville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Clarksville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clarksville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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