Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $19.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cleveland, TN runs $19.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,555 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland, TN, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $19.68, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This local pay scale affects part-time and per-diem workers, especially in various veterinary settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. Those working part-time, typically three days a week, will find their schedules closely aligned with this hourly wage, making it essential to budget accordingly. Entry-level positions can start at around $15.78 per hour, leading up to seasoned professionals earning as much as $26.17 per hour. These figures represent a competitive entry point within the field, although they still reflect the market’s overall compensation structure when compared to national standards, which significantly influence local pay dynamics.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.78 | $126.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.64 | $133.10 |
| Median (P50) | $19.68 | $157.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.15 | $193.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.17 | $209.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $19.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $40,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,611. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $787.03 | $3,410 | $40,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $472.22 | $2,046 | $24,555 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.81 | $1,364 | $16,370 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cleveland) | $19.68 |
| 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 Cleveland, TN earn a median of $40,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.14% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $41,881.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.68/hr = $24,555/year (purchasing power: $26,749).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,926/year (purchasing power: $44,581).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+79.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cleveland grew 61.2% from $11.57/hr (2019) to $18.65/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.76/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
When examining the potential earnings of a three-day-a-week veterinary technologist and technician, a part-time worker might take home considerably less compared to their full-time counterparts. With a typical 24-hour work week, their annual earnings will be lower, making full-time roles more attractive for those prioritizing income. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Cleveland commonly ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, exceeding the standard hourly rate for regular positions. Additionally, VTS-credentialed specialists can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with emergency roles often commanding $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. These variations underscore the necessity for professionals in the field to consider employer types like general practices, corporate chains, and specialty hospitals when negotiating pay. While some may choose lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, others may pursue higher pay without insurance, leading to an ongoing discussion about balancing compensation and worker needs in Cleveland's diverse veterinary workforce.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cleveland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cleveland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cleveland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cleveland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cleveland?
Related Pages
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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 Cleveland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleveland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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