Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Johnson City, TN: $38,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Johnson City, TN earns a median $38,856/year (≈ $18.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Johnson City's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $44,191 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Johnson City, TN, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $38,856, presenting a noticeable contrast to the national median of $49,986. While local salaries span from $29,118 at the 10th percentile to $53,868 at the 90th percentile, these figures highlight the potential for growth within the local market. With a pressing demand for veterinary professionals amidst a growing veterinary workforce shortage, those who pursue advanced credentials, such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, may find themselves well-positioned to command higher wages and benefits. The BLS OEWS data for Johnson City indicates a steady market that could flourish due to the specialized skills offered by credentialed technicians.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,118 | $14.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,147 | $17.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,856 | $18.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,241 | $24.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,868 | $25.90 |
Median Salary Position
22.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnson City
In Johnson City, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,750 (2026 est.). At $38,856, the local median is 22.27% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnson City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnson City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Johnson City median: $38,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,915 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -22.27% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Johnson City, TN earn a median of $38,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.27% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% below the Tennessee state average of $41,915.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnson City has a cost of living 12.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnson City, TN has a cost-of-living index of 87.928 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,856 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,191 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,455
2025 BLS Actual
$36,830
2026 Current Est.
$38,856
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,993 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnson City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $27,455 (2019) to $36,830 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,993 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,538 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnson City 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) | $29,118 – $37,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,147 – $38,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,856 – $51,241 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,241 – $53,868 |
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 Johnson City
In the context of Johnson City's job market, there are around 50 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed locally, revealing a modest employment base for this profession. The cost-of-living index stands at 87.928, suggesting that living expenses are below the national average. This presents a favorable scenario for those beginning their careers in veterinary technology, as their take-home salary may stretch further in relation to living costs. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer competitive pay, closely followed by specialty hospitals where technicians with VTS credentials can earn significantly more due to their advanced qualifications. The noticeable pay gradient in Johnson City reflects factors such as specialty credentials, differing work environments, and the presence of mentor or lead roles that typically come with premium compensation. Technicians looking to maximize their pay should consider gaining additional certifications and seeking positions in specialty practices or corporate chains, where salary potential can exceed expectations.
More salary data for Johnson City, 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 $36,830 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Johnson City 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, 6-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