Veterinary Technician in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Tennessee employs 1,640 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $42,810 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $42,810 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,660
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $51,060
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $57,040
- Employed in Tennessee
- 1,640
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Tennessee markets:
- Knoxville
- $50,010 (340 employed)
- Nashville
- $44,640 (470 employed)
- Memphis
- $39,710 (260 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $39,000 (150 employed)
- Clarksville
- $38,190 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $42,810 median stretches to roughly $46,583 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +21.3%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) — regulated by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
- Complete a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program covering animal anatomy, pharmacology, surgical assistance, anesthesia, and diagnostics.
- Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) with a passing score recognized by Tennessee.
- Apply to the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for your LVT license. Renew every two years with continuing education.
Official requirements: Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners →
Training in Tennessee
Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate) and Columbia State Community College offer AVMA-accredited vet tech programs. Nashville and Knoxville have large companion animal practice markets; Tennessee's equestrian industry (especially around Shelbyville and the Walking Horse industry) creates large animal vet tech demand as well.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers — Associate
- Chattanooga State Community College — Associate
- Cleveland State Community College — Associate
- Columbia State Community College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.
Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.
Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
First Steps
Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technicians make in Tennessee?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Tennessee is $42,810 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,660, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $57,040. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee?
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), overseen by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Complete a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program covering animal anatomy, pharmacology, surgical assistance, anesthesia, and diagnostics.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Tennessee?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Tennessee metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Knoxville leads at $50,010, followed by Nashville ($44,640), Memphis ($39,710). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers, Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Tennessee?
Tennessee projects veterinary technicians employment to change +21.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Tennessee wages · Tennessee licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.