Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in Tennessee is $36,440/year ($17.52/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $44K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $36K get you in Tennessee?
About veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K. Top earners bring in $44K or more, a $15K spread from bottom to top.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by metro in Tennessee
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $38K | +5% | 680 |
| Memphis | $37K | +1% | 440 |
| Knoxville | $36K | -1% | 350 |
| Chattanooga | $36K | -2% | 190 |
| Clarksville | $36K | -2% | 60 |
| Johnson City | $35K | -5% | 70 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $33K | -10% | 110 |
Compare to other states
Track veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in Tennessee?
The median is $36,440 a year, that works out to about $18 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,410, and experienced veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers can clear $44,020. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,610/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 46.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary go in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary is worth about $40,588 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.