Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Nashville, TN: $47,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Nashville, TN earns a median $47,095/year (≈ $22.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Nashville's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.3), that paycheck buys what $48,885 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Nashville, TN, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is anticipated to be $47,095, which falls below the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation spans from $38,782 at the 10th percentile to $61,812 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicates a distinct pay gradient, particularly when comparing employment at general practice veterinary clinics versus specialty hospitals. Those working in specialized settings are likely to see more favorable compensation, reflecting the added expertise required in high-demand areas such as emergency care, internal medicine, and anesthesiology. Understanding the dynamics of Nashville's job market is key for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians navigating their career paths in this vibrant city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,782 | $18.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,974 | $19.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,095 | $22.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,364 | $26.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,812 | $29.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nashville
In Nashville, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,030 (2026 est.). At $47,095, the local median is 5.78% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Nashville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Nashville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Nashville median: $47,095/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nashville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,900 | +12.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -5.78% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Nashville, TN earn a median of $47,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 12.40% above the Tennessee state average of $41,900.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nashville has a cost of living 3.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nashville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 96.338 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,095 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,885 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.8% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,330
2025 BLS Actual
$44,640
2026 Current Est.
$47,095
2019–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Nashville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,685 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nashville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 16.5% from $38,330 (2019) to $44,640 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,685 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,355 (29.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashville 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) | $38,782 – $39,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,974 – $47,095 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,095 – $54,364 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,364 – $61,812 |
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 Nashville
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Nashville is robust, with approximately 470 employed in the area, representing a solid opportunity for those entering the field. The cost of living in the region, indexed at 96.338, suggests that despite lower salaries relative to the national average, take-home purchasing power remains relatively manageable. Employers that typically offer the highest compensation include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl, which often provide tiered pay scales based on experience and specialization. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include specialized credentials such as the VTS and the setting one works in; roles within high-intensity environments, such as 24-hour emergency centers, also command premium pay. For those keen on maximizing their earnings, pursuing specialty certifications and gaining experience in high-demand areas are effective strategies in Nashville’s evolving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Nashville, 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 $44,640 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Nashville 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