Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Jackson, TN: $42,266 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Jackson, TN earns a median $42,266/year (≈ $20.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $46,041 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, TN, the projected compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is notable, with a median annual salary of $42,266. This figure reflects a significant difference compared to the national average of $49,986, highlighting a lower local market position. The salary range in this region spans from $31,437 at the 10th percentile to $54,877 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the varying earning potential based on experience and specialization. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data suggest that while local pay is competitive on a state level, it falls short when compared to the broader national context. This disparity serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the veterinary workforce as demand continues to grow, especially amid corporate consolidation in veterinary practices such as those under VCA and BluePearl.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,437 | $15.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,209 | $16.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,266 | $20.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,650 | $24.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,877 | $26.39 |
Median Salary Position
15.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,440 (2026 est.). At $42,266, the local median is 15.44% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Jackson median: $42,266/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,889 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.44% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Jackson, TN earn a median of $42,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.44% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $41,889.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson 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.
Jackson, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,266 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,041 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,865
2025 BLS Actual
$40,063
2026 Current Est.
$42,266
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,159 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,335 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,266 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,865 (2019) to $40,063 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,726 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $31,437 – $34,209 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,209 – $42,266 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,266 – $51,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,650 – $54,877 |
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 Jackson
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jackson consists of around 16 professionals, indicating a tightly-knit community. With a cost of living index at 91.8, practitioners in this area find their take-home pay stretches further than in many metropolitan regions. General practice veterinary clinics tend to offer the lowest salaries, while corporate chains like VCA and specialty hospitals that focus on roles such as emergency and critical care typically provide higher pay incentives. The differences in salary can often be attributed to the levels of specialization, with Veterinary Technician Specialists commanding top-tier wages, particularly in fields like critical care and anesthesia. Local techs looking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing additional qualifications, such as the VTS credential, and seek positions in high-demand areas, such as specialty medicine or corporate hospitals, which often provide shift differentials that enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 $40,063 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Jackson 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 Jackson 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