Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $19.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in La Vergne, TN runs $19.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,012 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,002 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary technologists and technicians in La Vergne, TN, can expect a median hourly pay of $19.23, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This wage has implications for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly common in settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, and university teaching hospitals. For individuals working three days a week, this translates to about $1,164 per month before taxes, while per-diem roles often provide a wider pay range, allowing for more flexibility but less job stability. The hourly range in La Vergne varies from $15.33 for entry-level roles (P10) up to $24.80 for the top earners in the market (P90), revealing diverse opportunities based on experience and skill level.
About the La Vergne 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) | $15.33 | $122.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.17 | $129.39 |
| Median (P50) | $19.23 | $153.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.09 | $184.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.80 | $198.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $19.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $40,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,079. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $769.31 | $3,334 | $40,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $461.58 | $2,000 | $24,002 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.72 | $1,333 | $16,002 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (La Vergne) | $19.23 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $40,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $41,897.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.23/hr = $24,002/year (purchasing power: $26,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,004/year (purchasing power: $43,577).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Vergne grew 34.1% from $13.59/hr (2019) to $18.23/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.29/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
When considering the annual take-home income, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week may find this appealing compared to full-time roles where the salary is higher but comes with added responsibilities. Per-diem and agency positions offer a different earning potential, with rates often billed between $25-$40 per hour, and VTS-credentialed specialists can command $35-$55 per hour, especially in high-demand areas such as overnight emergency care. Furthermore, the type of employer can significantly affect hourly pay; veterinary clinics, corporate hospital chains, and specialty facilities in La Vergne usually offer varying rates. Some veterinary technologists and technicians may choose lower-paying roles that provide steadier hours and benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer the flexibility and higher rates associated with per diem work. Negotiating your pay can hinge on leveraging your experience, credentials like VTS, and understanding the current market demand, particularly as the industry faces an acute workforce shortage in this field.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Vergne in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in La Vergne?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in La Vergne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in La Vergne?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in La Vergne?
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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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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