Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the median pay for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is $17.46 an hour ($36,320 a year). About 3,530 people work in this job there.

$17.46Median hourly pay
$34,520–$38,230Middle half of workers, yearly
3,530People in this job in Tennessee

That is 5% lower than the U.S. median ($38,150). Tennessee ranks 38th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in Tennessee

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$14.54$30,230
25% of workers$16.60$34,520
Half of workers (median)$17.46$36,320
75% of workers$18.38$38,230
90% of workers$21.01$43,700

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay in Tennessee metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$37,7901,070
Memphis$36,990680
Chattanooga$36,170340
Jackson$35,84050
Knoxville$35,660530
Morristown$35,21050
Clarksville$34,810110
Johnson City$34,52090
Kingsport-Bristol$33,590140

Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: +9.1% over ten years, much faster than average · about 23,200 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Tennessee

JobMedian yearly pay
Nursing Assistants$37,990
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$58,870
Medical Assistants$39,570
Animal Caretakers$30,550
Emergency Medical Technicians$40,330
Paramedics$57,690
Phlebotomists$38,550
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$42,810

Other job titles for this job

Animal Care ProviderAnimal CaregiverAvian KeeperCertified Veterinary AssistantEmergency Veterinary AssistantInpatient Technician AssistantKennel Vet AssistantLaboratory Animal CaretakerLaboratory Animal TechnicianResearch Animal AttendantSmall Animal CaretakerVeterinarian Assistant

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.