Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Knoxville, TN: $52,761 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Knoxville, TN earns a median $52,761/year (≈ $25.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Knoxville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.6), that paycheck buys what $56,996 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 25.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Knoxville, TN, reaches a median of $52,761, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national median of $49,986. Salary figures range widely from $37,368 at the 10th percentile to $64,376 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the diversity in expertise and experience levels within the workforce. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the strong demand for skilled professionals, particularly those who have pursued VTS specialty credentials in areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Such qualifications can significantly enhance earning potential in this competitive job market, making Knoxville a promising location for those looking to advance their veterinary careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,368 | $17.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,354 | $19.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,761 | $25.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,376 | $30.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,376 | $30.95 |
Median Salary Position
5.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
In Knoxville, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,008 (2026 est.). At $52,761, the local median is 5.55% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Knoxville: You'd be above the median
How Knoxville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Knoxville median: $52,761/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Knoxville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,907 | +25.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +5.55% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Knoxville, TN earn a median of $52,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.55% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 25.90% above the Tennessee state average of $41,907.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Knoxville has a cost of living 7.43% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Knoxville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.569 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $52,761 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,996 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,710
2025 BLS Actual
$50,010
2026 Current Est.
$52,761
2019–2027 Growth
+100.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,761 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,662 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Knoxville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 80.5% from $27,710 (2019) to $50,010 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,662 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,952 (100.87%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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) | $37,368 – $40,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,354 – $52,761 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,761 – $64,376 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,376 – $64,376 |
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 Knoxville
The Knoxville area currently employs approximately 340 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a solid job market despite the ongoing workforce shortage in the field. With a cost-of-living index at 92.569, Knoxville offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average, positively impacting the purchasing power for these professionals. Employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where pay structures reflect the complexity of roles and experience levels. Factors such as VTS specialties, particularly in emergency and critical care, significantly influence pay, as do differentials for mentors and leadership roles in shift-based settings. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in specialty areas, and staying updated on evolving industry standards will be key strategies to succeed in the Knoxville market.
More salary data for Knoxville, 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 $50,010 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Knoxville 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