Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $21.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kingsport, TN runs $21.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,814 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.4, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,293 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Kingsport, Tennessee, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $21.07 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. For professionals in this field, this hourly rate provides an opportunity for part-time engagement. For instance, working three days a week could yield a take-home amount attractive to those seeking flexibility. The hourly compensation for this role can vary significantly; entry-level technicians may start at around $16.65, while top earners can command up to $27.97 per hour. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which highlights the range of potential wages for those employed in various capacities such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.65 | $133.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.73 | $149.81 |
| Median (P50) | $21.07 | $168.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.97 | $223.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $21.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.07/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $43,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,282. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $842.73 | $3,652 | $43,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $505.64 | $2,191 | $26,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $337.09 | $1,461 | $17,529 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kingsport) | $21.07 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $43,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.35% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.60% above the Tennessee state average of $41,887.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.07/hr = $26,293/year (purchasing power: $30,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,822/year (purchasing power: $50,693).
CoL index: 86.447 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+75.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kingsport grew 57.7% from $12.66/hr (2019) to $19.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.23/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Enthusiasts of veterinary medicine in Kingsport will find varied earning potentials based on their employment structure and settings. For those considering part-time positions, working 24 hours per week would result in an annual income that, while less than full-time peers, still provides a viable income stream. Additionally, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, often topping $35 to $55/hr in specialty roles. The diversity among employers—from general practice clinics to corporate veterinary chains and research labs—can impact pay significantly. Furthermore, the trade-offs posed by hourly compensation versus benefits packages can shift priorities for many technicians. For those pursuing positions, it’s advisable to explore the full compensation landscape, including negotiated pay rates and the potential for higher earnings by diversifying skill sets through pathways like VTS specialty certification. Tailoring negotiations around the unique demands of Kingsport’s market can also yield advantageous outcomes for those entering this rewarding profession.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kingsport in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kingsport?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kingsport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kingsport?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kingsport?
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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 Kingsport. 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