Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tullahoma, TN: $18.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tullahoma, TN runs $18.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tullahoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Tullahoma, Tennessee, have an estimated hourly median pay of $18.61 for 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy suggests that local practitioners may find part-time opportunities less financially rewarding unless working in high-demand settings. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate provides a baseline for earnings at $14,068 annually. Workers in this field can earn between $15.24 and $23.20 an hour, depending on experience, which could attract newly certified technicians while experienced individuals may seek positions in specialty practices or advanced veterinary services. Given Tullahoma's cost of living index of 91.8, the hourly earnings make for a practical living but highlight the need for further advocacy in raising compensation to match the profession's demands.
About the Tullahoma 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) | $15.24 | $121.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.55 | $124.41 |
| Median (P50) | $18.61 | $148.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.95 | $175.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.20 | $185.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tullahoma
Based on $18.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tullahoma, TN can expect to earn approximately $38,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,332. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tullahoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tullahoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $744.41 | $3,226 | $38,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $446.64 | $1,935 | $23,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.76 | $1,290 | $15,484 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tullahoma) | $18.61 |
| 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 Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $38,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.56% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $41,892.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.61/hr = $23,226/year (purchasing power: $25,300).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,709/year (purchasing power: $42,167).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tullahoma grew 34.1% from $13.15/hr (2019) to $17.64/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.63/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 Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma
Looking deeper into the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians, part-time workers can expect to take home around $14,068 annually for a 24-hour workweek, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians are often paid on a more favorable scale, with typical rates ranging from $25 to $40 an hour, and those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can bill at $35 to $55 an hour. Employers in Tullahoma vary widely in pay; general practice clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals may provide higher compensation due to increased demands. Contracted work, especially for weekends and emergency coverage, frequently matches the higher end of the pay scale. Balancing hourly wages against benefits such as health insurance can be a deciding factor for professionals in Tullahoma as they navigate employment options. Negotiation tips that local techs can employ include researching industry standards and highlighting specialized skills when discussing compensation, positioning themselves for more favorable hourly rates.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tullahoma in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tullahoma?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tullahoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tullahoma?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tullahoma?
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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 Tullahoma. 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 Tullahoma 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