Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kingsport, TN: $43,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kingsport, TN earns a median $43,814/year (≈ $21.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kingsport's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 86.4), that paycheck buys what $50,683 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Kingsport, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $43,814 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation starts at $34,625 (P10) and can go up to $58,173 (P90) as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2025. Obtaining a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can significantly enhance earning potential. Given Kingsport's employment of around 60 individuals in this sector, job opportunities are steadily increasing, and specialized skills can drive higher earnings within the local market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,625 | $16.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,961 | $18.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,814 | $21.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,859 | $23.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,173 | $27.97 |
Median Salary Position
12.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingsport
In Kingsport, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,548 (2026 est.). At $43,814, the local median is 12.35% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kingsport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kingsport Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kingsport median: $43,814/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kingsport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,887 | +4.60% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -12.35% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kingsport, TN earn a median of $43,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.35% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.60% above the Tennessee state average of $41,887.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kingsport has a cost of living 13.55% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kingsport, TN has a cost-of-living index of 86.447 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,814 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,683 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.68% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,320
2025 BLS Actual
$41,530
2026 Current Est.
$43,814
2019–2027 Growth
+75.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,224 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kingsport metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 57.8% from $26,320 (2019) to $41,530 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,224 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,904 (75.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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) | $34,625 – $38,961 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,961 – $43,814 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,814 – $49,859 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,859 – $58,173 |
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 Kingsport
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kingsport is competitive, particularly given the cost of living index of 86.447, which is below the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of take-home salaries in this area may stretch further than in regions with a higher cost of living. Top-paying employers often include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, which tend to offer more substantial pay scales compared to general practice clinics. The disparity in earnings within Kingsport can be attributed to various factors, including VTS credentialing, experience levels, and the specific demands of the workplace setting. Those aiming to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Kingsport should consider pursuing additional certifications, securing positions in specialty hospitals, and seeking roles that offer shift differentials or mentoring opportunities.
More salary data for Kingsport, 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 $41,530 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kingsport 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, 7-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