Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Shelbyville, TN: $19.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Shelbyville, TN runs $19.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,097 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Shelbyville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelbyville, TN, earn a median hourly rate of $19.27, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy highlights the specific economic conditions and demand for skilled professionals within the local veterinary market. For those seeking part-time opportunities, typically working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a moderate income, making it viable for individuals searching for flexibility while working in general practice facilities, specialty hospitals, or research labs. Hourly wages range from $15.31 for entry-level positions to $24.16 for those at the top tier, allowing aspiring professionals to understand potential earnings based on their experience and expertise.
About the Shelbyville 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) | $15.31 | $122.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.07 | $128.54 |
| Median (P50) | $19.27 | $154.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.16 | $193.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelbyville
Based on $19.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.27/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelbyville, TN can expect to earn approximately $40,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,130. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelbyville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelbyville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $770.99 | $3,341 | $40,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $462.60 | $2,005 | $24,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $308.40 | $1,336 | $16,037 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Shelbyville) | $19.27 |
| 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 Shelbyville, TN earn a median of $40,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $41,899.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.27/hr = $24,055/year (purchasing power: $26,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,092/year (purchasing power: $43,673).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelbyville grew 34.1% from $13.62/hr (2019) to $18.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.33/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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville
When considering financial prospects, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $27,179 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and agency technicians have the advantage of higher pay rates ranging from $25-$40 per hour, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians commanding between $35-$55 per hour. In some instances, emergency coverage positions in understaffed hospitals may offer $30-$50 per hour. In Shelbyville, the workplace environment greatly influences pay rates, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers often providing different compensation packages compared to general practice clinics. The choice between lower hourly rates with health benefits or higher rates without them often prompts negotiation on behalf of technicians, reflecting a critical balance between salary and benefits that can greatly affect overall job satisfaction in this crucial and growing field.
More salary data for Shelbyville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelbyville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Shelbyville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelbyville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Shelbyville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Shelbyville?
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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 Shelbyville. 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 Shelbyville 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