Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $19.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cookeville, TN runs $19.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, TN, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at a median of $19.14, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This disparity indicates a challenging economic situation for local professionals, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or university teaching hospitals. Part-time work at three days a week (approximately 24 hours) allows technicians to earn around $26,501 annually, while entry-level positions see hourly wages starting at $15.09, reaching up to $24.44 for the top 10% of earners. These figures reflect the projected data for 2026 based on 2025 BLS data, revealing the earning potential across different veterinary environments in Cookeville.
About the Cookeville 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) | $15.09 | $120.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.97 | $127.78 |
| Median (P50) | $19.14 | $153.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.88 | $183.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.44 | $195.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $19.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.14/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $39,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,965. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $765.51 | $3,317 | $39,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $459.30 | $1,990 | $23,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $306.20 | $1,327 | $15,923 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cookeville) | $19.14 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $39,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.37% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $41,901.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.14/hr = $23,884/year (purchasing power: $26,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,806/year (purchasing power: $43,362).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cookeville grew 34.1% from $13.52/hr (2019) to $18.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.19/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
Examining the nuances of part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician opting for a three-day work schedule may take home a modest income compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem pay rates can vary dramatically; many professionals working through staffing agencies report earning between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can command up to $55 per hour, particularly in specialty fields like emergency medicine or surgery. Employment types in Cookeville also influence hourly rates, with corporate chain veterinary hospitals often offering better benefits at a lower hourly pay compared to independent clinics. As the veterinary workforce sees increased demand, negotiating for higher hourly wages becomes critical, especially considering that professionals may trade off some benefits for greater pay. Understanding the local job market and leveraging expertise can help veterinary technologists and technicians in Cookeville navigate their career paths more effectively.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cookeville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cookeville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cookeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cookeville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cookeville?
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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 Cookeville. 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 Cookeville 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