Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Cookeville, TN: $39,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Cookeville, TN earns a median $39,806/year (≈ $19.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Cookeville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $43,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $39,806 projected for 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Cookeville, TN, find themselves in a market that reflects the broader trends seen across the state and nation. This figure falls approximately 20.37% below the national median of $49,986, indicating the regional economic factors at play. The local salary range from $31,379 at the lowest 10% to $50,843 at the highest 90% illustrates the income disparities among professionals in this field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local purchasing power, suggesting that opportunities for pay growth exist, particularly within specialized practices or corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,379 | $15.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,221 | $15.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,806 | $19.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,603 | $22.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,843 | $24.44 |
Median Salary Position
20.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cookeville
In Cookeville, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,464 (2026 est.). At $39,806, the local median is 20.37% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cookeville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cookeville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Cookeville median: $39,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cookeville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,901 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -20.37% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $39,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.37% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $41,901.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cookeville 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.
Cookeville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $39,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,362 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,127
2025 BLS Actual
$37,731
2026 Current Est.
$39,806
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,345 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,452 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,832 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,657 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cookeville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,127 (2019) to $37,731 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,869 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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) | $31,379 – $33,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,221 – $39,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,806 – $47,603 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,603 – $50,843 |
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 Cookeville
Currently employing only seven veterinary technologists and technicians, Cookeville's job market presents a unique scenario where the cost of living index stands at 91.8, indicating that while salaries are lower than the national average, the lower living expenses contribute positively to disposable income. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer the highest pay, often influenced by their structured pay-scale systems. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to the different roles within diverse practice settings, with those holding the VTS specialty credential or taking on leadership roles likely commanding higher wages. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, it is advisable to pursue specialization, consider shifts in higher-demand areas, and seek positions within corporate hospitals, which often provide additional pay differentials.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cookeville, TN in 2026?
Is Cookeville, TN a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Cookeville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Cookeville?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Cookeville?
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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 $37,731 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Cookeville 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 Cookeville 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