Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $20.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Memphis, TN runs $20.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,135 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $20.14, which positions them lower than the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the local economy and job market for those in veterinary services, particularly within general practices and specialty hospitals. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this translates to a manageable income in roles ranging from general practice treatment areas to specialty hospital ICUs and university teaching clinics. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with new hires earning around $17.06 while seasoned technicians may earn up to $28.07 per hour. These figures, derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, illustrate the diverse earning potential available to veterinary technologists and technicians in Memphis.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.06 | $136.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.82 | $150.57 |
| Median (P50) | $20.14 | $161.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.58 | $204.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.07 | $224.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $20.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.14/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $41,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,168. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $805.60 | $3,491 | $41,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $483.36 | $2,095 | $25,135 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.24 | $1,396 | $16,756 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Memphis) | $20.14 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $41,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.19% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.14/hr = $25,135/year (purchasing power: $27,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,891/year (purchasing power: $45,445).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+78.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Memphis grew 60.0% from $11.93/hr (2019) to $19.09/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.25/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Evaluating the part-time income of a veterinary technologist and technician working a standard 24-hour week can provide insight into their earnings relative to full-time counterparts. For instance, taking home a weekly pay of about $483 leads to an annual income that falls short of what full-time technicians receive. Per diem positions also offer a different financial landscape, with specializations in veterinary technology providing attractive rates; per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Memphis often ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialists can command between $35 and $55 per hour. Hourly rates within Memphis vary depending on employer type, with private clinics typically offering lower pay compared to corporate chains and specialty hospitals. However, some technicians opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, a crucial consideration when weighing job offers. When negotiating salaries, it is advisable for technicians to research local pay rates and demonstrate the value they bring to their employers, maintaining a balance between benefits and income.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Memphis in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Memphis?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Memphis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Memphis?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Memphis. 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