Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbia, TN: $40,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Columbia, TN earns a median $40,827/year (≈ $19.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $44,474 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, TN, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is set at $40,827, which falls short of the national median of $49,986 by about 18.32%. The salary range for this occupation in the area varies significantly, with figures from $30,508 at the 10th percentile to $54,136 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse expertise and experience levels within the workforce. These local salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. For those pursuing specialized roles like Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care or anesthesia, the opportunity to command higher pay exists, as these credentials can significantly enhance earning potential. The current job market in Columbia provides a stable environment for veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,508 | $14.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,836 | $15.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,827 | $19.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,037 | $24.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,136 | $26.03 |
Median Salary Position
18.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,628 (2026 est.). At $40,827, the local median is 18.32% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Columbia median: $40,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,874 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -18.32% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbia, TN earn a median of $40,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $41,874.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia 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.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,827 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,474 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,849
2025 BLS Actual
$38,699
2026 Current Est.
$40,827
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,234 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,726 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,417 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,699 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,073 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,849 (2019) to $38,699 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,073 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,224 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $30,508 – $32,836 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,836 – $40,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,827 – $50,037 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,037 – $54,136 |
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 Columbia
Considering the local job market, there are currently 10 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Columbia, TN, a number that hints at a modest yet essential workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, which is below the national average, prospective veterinary technologists may find that their take-home pay stretches further in Columbia compared to many other regions. Employers in the area, such as general practice veterinarian clinics and specialty hospitals, have differing pay scales; specialty referral hospitals often pay more than corporate chain facilities like VCA and BluePearl, due to the complexities and demands of specialized care. The primary drivers of pay disparity include the attainment of VTS credentials, background in specialty practices versus general care, and experience in lead or mentor roles. To maximize pay potential, individuals should consider pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in specialty settings, and staying informed about corporate pay scales in the region.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbia, TN in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Columbia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Columbia?
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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 $38,699 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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