Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Johnson City, TN: $18.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Johnson City, TN runs $18.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,856 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Johnson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,318 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnson City, TN earn a median hourly pay of $18.68, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the unique job market in the area, characterized by both general practice treatment facilities and specialized hospital environments. Entry-level positions start around $14.00 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $25.90, depending on the setting and specific responsibilities. Part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, can expect to make a comfortable income, particularly in environments such as veterinary clinics, universities, and even pharmaceutical research labs. In this context, the hourly wage enables a variety of working arrangements, making it a versatile option for those who need flexibility or prefer per-diem opportunities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.00 | $112.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.86 | $142.89 |
| Median (P50) | $18.68 | $149.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.63 | $197.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.90 | $207.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnson City
Based on $18.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.68/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnson City, TN can expect to earn approximately $38,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,421. With a cost-of-living index of 87.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $747.36 | $3,239 | $38,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $448.42 | $1,943 | $23,318 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.94 | $1,295 | $15,545 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Johnson City) | $18.68 |
| 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 Johnson City, TN earn a median of $38,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.27% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% below the Tennessee state average of $41,915.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.68/hr = $23,318/year (purchasing power: $26,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,863/year (purchasing power: $44,198).
CoL index: 87.928 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnson City grew 34.1% from $13.20/hr (2019) to $17.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.71/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 Johnson City 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 Johnson City
For those considering part-time work in Johnson City, it’s useful to analyze how earning potential differs from full-time roles. A veterinary technologist or technician working just 24 hours a week may still bring home a respectable income annually, particularly when benefits are factored in. Per-diem roles often yield higher hourly rates, with some professionals billing between $25 and $40 per hour. VTS-credentialed specialists frequently command rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand situations such as emergency care. However, the trade-off for accepting lower hourly wages at a general practice often includes health insurance and other benefits that may not be available in per-diem positions. When negotiating hourly rates, it's crucial to know the market rates across different employers in Johnson City — from corporate chains to specialty hospitals — as various settings may offer different pay scales. Understanding these dynamics will empower technicians and technologists to make informed career decisions in this vital field.
More salary data for Johnson City, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnson City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Johnson City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnson City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Johnson City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Johnson City?
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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 Johnson City. 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, 6-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