Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Jackson, TN: $20.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Jackson, TN runs $20.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,358 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, Tennessee, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.32 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference can significantly impact individuals who are part-time or per-diem workers in diverse settings like veterinary clinics, specialty animal hospitals, or research facilities. For those working three days a week, the hourly wage allows for a flexible schedule, but it may come with the challenge of limited benefits. The projected hourly range in Jackson varies from $15.12 for entry-level positions to $26.39 for those at the top of their field, reflecting a workforce balancing between the lower end and greater expertise in this essential profession.
About the Jackson 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) | $15.12 | $120.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.45 | $131.58 |
| Median (P50) | $20.32 | $162.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.83 | $198.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.39 | $211.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $20.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, TN can expect to earn approximately $42,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,383. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $812.77 | $3,522 | $42,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $487.66 | $2,113 | $25,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $325.11 | $1,409 | $16,906 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Jackson) | $20.32 |
| 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 Jackson, TN earn a median of $42,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.44% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $41,889.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.32/hr = $25,358/year (purchasing power: $27,624).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,264/year (purchasing power: $46,039).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jackson grew 34.1% from $14.36/hr (2019) to $19.26/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.44/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Examining part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist and technician working a 24-hour week in Jackson can expect to take home around $22,658 annually, compared to the salary of full-time employees. For those seeking per-diem opportunities, compensation for veterinary technologists can be much higher. It's common for per-diem workers to charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-certified specialists earning anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour. Furthermore, weekend and overnight shift rates at understaffed emergency hospitals usually range from $30 to $50 per hour. Veterinary technologists and technicians must consider employer type carefully, as hourly rates can differ between general practice clinics, corporate chains like VCA, specialty hospitals, and university settings. Those accepting lower hourly wages often do so for the stability of health benefits. When negotiating, emphasizing experience or additional certifications can lead to higher pay, especially in a workforce context where demand exceeds supply due to the veterinary technician shortage in Tennessee.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jackson in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Jackson?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Jackson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Jackson?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Jackson?
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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 Jackson. 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 Jackson 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