Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Memphis, TN: $41,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Memphis, TN earns a median $41,894/year (≈ $20.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $45,449 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $41,894 in 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Memphis is notably lower than the national median of $49,986, reflecting the overall compensation trends in the region. Salary ranges for this occupation indicate significant variance, with entry-level positions earning around $35,490 (P10) and top earners making as much as $58,394 (P90). This data is drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. The presence of corporate chains, like VCA and BluePearl, influences the pay scale within Memphis, creating a competitive edge for candidates with advanced credentials or specialties in areas such as emergency care and anesthesia.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,490 | $17.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,141 | $18.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,894 | $20.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,204 | $25.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,394 | $28.07 |
Median Salary Position
16.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,904 (2026 est.). At $41,894, the local median is 16.19% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Memphis Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Memphis median: $41,894/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $49,986 | -16.19% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Memphis, TN earn a median of $41,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.19% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,894 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,449 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,820
2025 BLS Actual
$39,710
2026 Current Est.
$41,894
2019–2027 Growth
+78.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,198 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 60.0% from $24,820 (2019) to $39,710 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,198 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,378 (78.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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) | $35,490 – $39,141 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,141 – $41,894 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,894 – $53,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,204 – $58,394 |
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 Memphis
In Memphis, a workforce of approximately 260 employed veterinary technologists and technicians faces a cost of living index of 92.179, suggesting that salaries offer a reasonable purchasing power compared to national averages. Employers that typically pay higher wages include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, which tend to have structured pay scales often favoring experienced technologists or those with VTS specialty credentials. The disparity in earnings—ranging from general practices to specialized medical facilities—can significantly be impacted by factors such as leadership roles, mentoring positions, and shift differentials seen in 24-hour emergency settings. For those considering how much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Memphis, focusing on acquiring specialized skills and certifications via NAVTA and AVMA CVTEA accredited programs may enhance earning potential in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Memphis?
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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 $39,710 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Memphis 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