Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Cleveland, TN: $40,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Cleveland, TN earns a median $40,918/year (≈ $19.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $44,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Cleveland, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $40,918 in 2026, a figure that reflects the area's economic realities and workforce demands. The salary range spans from $32,827 at the 10th percentile to $54,435 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the breadth of pay opportunities available depending on experience and specialization. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, show that Cleveland's compensation for this profession is about 18.14% lower than the national median, which stands at $49,986. This disparity highlights the impact of the corporate pay-scale systems in place at larger veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl in the region. Despite this, the local job market offers a growing opportunity for veterinary professionals as the need for skilled technicians continues to rise.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,827 | $15.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,604 | $16.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,918 | $19.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,224 | $24.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,435 | $26.17 |
Median Salary Position
18.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,608 (2026 est.). At $40,918, the local median is 18.14% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $40,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,881 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -18.14% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $40,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.14% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $41,881.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,918 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,573 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,060
2025 BLS Actual
$38,785
2026 Current Est.
$40,918
2019–2027 Growth
+79.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,805 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,785 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 61.2% from $24,060 (2019) to $38,785 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,109 (79.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $32,827 – $34,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,604 – $40,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,918 – $50,224 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,224 – $54,435 |
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 Cleveland
Local employment data indicates that there are currently 10 veterinary technologists and technicians working in Cleveland, revealing a niche yet essential workforce that supports the various animal healthcare needs in the community. The cost-of-living index for the area is 91.8, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the relative affordability of living in Cleveland can help mitigate this impact on take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chains and specialty hospitals tend to offer the highest salaries, often influenced by the availability of VTS specialty credentials that command premium pay. Furthermore, factors such as corporate tiered pay scales and shift differentials at emergency clinics contribute to the variability in compensation. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking employment in corporate environments may be the most effective strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $38,785 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Cleveland 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
Salary data for Cleveland 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