Vet tech salary in Tennessee
Vet techs in Tennessee earned a median of $42,810 a year in May 2025, about $20.58 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 10% below the U.S. median of $47,380. Eight in ten earned between $31,660 (10th percentile) and $57,040 (90th percentile).
Vet tech pay in Tennessee
| Level | A year | An hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,660 | $15.22 |
| Median | $42,810 | $20.58 |
| 90th percentile | $57,040 | $27.42 |
Tennessee ranks 38 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by median vet tech pay. About 1,640 vet techs worked in Tennessee. BLS reports veterinary technologists (usually a four-year degree) and technicians (usually a two-year degree) as one group.
Jobs in Tennessee
Browse veterinary jobs in Tennessee, with pay shown when the employer states it.
Other veterinary roles in Tennessee
| Role | Median a year | Median an hour | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet tech | $42,810 | $20.58 | $47,380 |
| Vet assistant | $36,320 | $17.46 | $38,150 |
| Veterinarian | $124,350 | $59.78 | $130,100 |
The credential in Tennessee
Title: Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT). Required to work as a tech: Yes, with conditions. Full rules: how to become a vet tech in Tennessee. Training: vet tech schools in Tennessee.
FAQ
How much does a vet tech make in Tennessee?
The median was $42,810 a year in May 2025 (BLS), 10% below the U.S. median of $47,380.
How much does a vet tech make an hour in Tennessee?
About $20.58 an hour at the median, from the BLS yearly figure of $42,810 divided by 2,080 hours.
How does Tennessee rank for vet tech pay?
Tennessee ranks 38 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by BLS median pay. The highest medians were District of Columbia ($61,270), California ($60,630), Washington ($59,740).
Do you need a license to be a vet tech in Tennessee?
Yes, with conditions. A license is required to practice as a veterinary technician and to use the title. See the Tennessee guide.
Figures are BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for May 2025, the latest release, for wage and salary workers (the self-employed are not included). The median is the middle wage: half earned more, half earned less. Hourly figures are the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours, the way BLS converts between the two. Retrieved from the BLS Public Data API on November 5, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, veterinary technologists and technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS state estimates (Public Data API)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
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