Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $19.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $19.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $19.76, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy suggests that while the profession is growing, local compensation may not fully reflect national trends. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this translates into earning approximately $19,000 annually, assuming a typical schedule. Additionally, per-diem workers in this field, who often find opportunities in various settings such as general practice clinics or specialty hospitals, enjoy a wide range of hourly pay, from $14.91 at entry-level positions to $26.51 for more experienced technicians and specialists. These figures are estimates derived from projected annual salary data, highlighting the range of earning potential across different practice environments in the area.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $14.91 | $119.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.06 | $128.46 |
| Median (P50) | $19.76 | $158.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.61 | $188.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.51 | $212.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $19.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $41,101 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,712. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $790.41 | $3,425 | $41,101 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $474.24 | $2,055 | $24,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.16 | $1,370 | $16,440 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oak Ridge) | $19.76 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $41,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $41,900.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.76/hr = $24,661/year (purchasing power: $26,863).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,101/year (purchasing power: $44,772).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Ridge grew 34.1% from $13.96/hr (2019) to $18.73/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.85/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Several factors influence the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Ridge. For example, part-time workers earning at the lower end of the scale may find their annual take-home significantly less than full-time counterparts, pushing many to consider per-diem positions that can command higher rates. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Oak Ridge often ranges widely; those placed at specialty hospitals or as locums may charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while certified specialty technicians can secure hourly rates ranging from $35 to $55. The type of employer shapes these figures as well, with corporate chain hospitals generally offering lower pay than specialty or university teaching hospitals. Ultimately, many professionals face a choice: accept hourly rates that come with benefits but lower pay, or pursue opportunities that pay more but lack health insurance, especially in light of the ongoing workforce shortage impacting the profession. Negotiation tips for hourly workers in Oak Ridge include researching local pay standards, leveraging credentials like the VTS designation, and evaluating benefits packages against hourly compensation expectations.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oak Ridge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oak Ridge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Ridge?
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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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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