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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$36,320
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.3% vs 2024
$36,330
Mean Salary
$36,320
Median Salary
$17.46
Hourly Rate
3,530 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Tennessee

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $30,230$30,23025th25% earn less than $34,520$34,520MedianHalf earn more than $36,320$36,32075th75% earn less than $38,230$38,23090thTop 10% earn more than $43,700$43,700

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $36,320 per year ($3,026/month). This is 6.2% below the national average of $38,713. Tennessee ranks #38 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 3,530 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries decreased by 0.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Writing
3.12
Monitoring
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.33
English Language
3.83
Biology
3.56
Administrative
3.51
Medicine and Dentistry
3.5
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (78.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee

Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee range from $30,230 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $43,700 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,520 and $38,230.

Median $36,320
P10: $30,230 P25: $34,520 P75: $38,230 P90: $43,700
10th
$30,230
25th
$34,520
Median
$36,320
75th
$38,230
90th
$43,700
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $30,230 $14.53 $2,519
25th Percentile $34,520 $16.60 $2,876
Median (50th) $36,320 $17.46 $3,026
75th Percentile $38,230 $18.38 $3,185
90th Percentile (Experienced) $43,700 $21.01 $3,641

Note: The mean (average) salary of $36,330 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#38
Tennessee ranks #38 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
-6.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Tennessee:

What does this salary really buy? See Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Data in Tennessee

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary by State

Compare Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee is $36,320 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $36,330.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee range from $30,230 at the 10th percentile to $43,700 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,520 and $38,230.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Tennessee typically start around $30,230 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,520 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,530 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tennessee is approximately $17.46 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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