Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $41,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $41,145/year (≈ $19.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $44,985 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $41,145 in 2026, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. The salary range spans from $33,570 at the 10th percentile to $56,284 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant earning potential for experienced professionals in the field. Corporate veterinary chains such as VCA and BluePearl play a substantial role in this market by maintaining a structured pay-scale system, which influences local compensation trends. While the average salary in Chattanooga sits notably below the national median of $49,986 for this occupation, the area's job market offers stability, particularly for skilled technicians who may seek opportunities within specialty hospitals or corporate practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,570 | $16.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,046 | $18.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,145 | $19.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,391 | $25.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,284 | $27.06 |
Median Salary Position
17.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,714 (2026 est.). At $41,145, the local median is 17.69% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chattanooga Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $41,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,899 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -17.69% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $41,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.69% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% below the Tennessee state average of $41,899.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,145 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,985 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,240
2025 BLS Actual
$39,000
2026 Current Est.
$41,145
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,408 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 17.3% from $33,240 (2019) to $39,000 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,408 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,168 (30.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,570 – $39,046 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,046 – $41,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,145 – $52,391 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,391 – $56,284 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Chattanooga
Currently, approximately 150 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Chattanooga, a relatively small workforce that signals a tight job market for these professionals. The cost of living index in this area stands at 91.464, which is below the national average, suggesting that salaries may provide a livable wage while allowing for decent purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by specialty referral hospitals that handle emergency care, internal medicine, and oncology. Various factors contribute to the disparity in wages, including the presence of Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), which can command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and credentials. Those looking to maximize their earnings should consider gaining specialty certifications, transitioning to corporate environments for structured salary growth, or seeking positions in high-demand areas such as emergency veterinary services, which generally offer better pay and shift differentials.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chattanooga, TN in 2026?
Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Chattanooga?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Chattanooga?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $39,000 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Chattanooga metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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