Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $41,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $41,104/year (≈ $19.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $44,776 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals aiming for a veterinary technologist and technician salary in Oak Ridge can expect to earn a median annual salary of $41,104. This figure is notably lower than the projected national median of $49,986, indicating a geographical salary divide. Local salaries range significantly from $31,002 at the 10th percentile to $55,147 for those at the 90th percentile. It’s crucial for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Ridge to consider pursuing VTS specialty credentials in areas like emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, as these qualifications can substantially elevate earning potential. The local market for these skilled roles remains competitive, albeit underscored by a projected growth rate of 5.50% annually, suggesting ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this field despite lower base salaries.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,002 | $14.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,398 | $16.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,104 | $19.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,147 | $26.51 |
Median Salary Position
17.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,145 (2026 est.). At $41,104, the local median is 17.77% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $41,104/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $41,900 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -17.77% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $41,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $41,900.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $41,104 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,776 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,044
2025 BLS Actual
$38,961
2026 Current Est.
$41,104
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,044 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,302 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,968 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,044 (2019) to $38,961 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,321 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $31,002 – $33,398 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,398 – $41,104 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,104 – $49,100 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,100 – $55,147 |
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 Oak Ridge
Currently, Oak Ridge employs six veterinary technologists and technicians, which indicates a small but stable market. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, residents can stretch their earnings further compared to national averages. Among employers in Oak Ridge, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals typically offer higher pay than general practice clinics. Variability in compensation reflects differences in specialty credentials, with those possessing VTS qualifications in ECC, anesthesia, or internal medicine commanding top salaries. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl have structured pay scales that can affect starting salaries, while lead and mentor roles may also offer added financial incentives. To maximize their pay, veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Ridge should consider specializing further and exploring opportunities in high-paying sectors such as emergency animal care or pharmaceutical research.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Oak Ridge?
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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 $38,961 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Oak Ridge 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
Salary data for Oak Ridge is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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