Veterinarian Salary in Tennessee
Based on 2K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$124,350
$59.78/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
-0.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $168K
2K employed in Tennessee
The Veterinarian salary in Tennessee presents a compelling picture for those in the animal care profession. The median annual salary for veterinarians in the Volunteer State is $124,350, positioning them exactly in line with the national average. This figure is based on data from 1,730 employed veterinarians across Tennessee, indicating a stable presence within the healthcare sector.
Several factors can influence a veterinarian's earning potential in Tennessee. These include years of experience, specialization in areas like surgery or emergency care, and the specific type of practice, whether it's a large veterinary hospital or a smaller, independent clinic. The demand for veterinary services in different regions of Tennessee may also play a role in salary negotiations.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,500 |
| 25th percentile | $104,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,350 |
| 75th percentile | $151,770 |
| 90th percentile | $167,900 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,690 |
| 2023 | $118,250 |
| 2024 | $125,420 |
| 2025 | $124,350 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,350 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,690 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $118,250 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $125,420 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $124,350 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,350 | $124,944 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $104,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,350 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $151,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $167,900 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Veterinarian ($124,350 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +390.6% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +200.4% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +185.1% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +165.9% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +86.7% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +82.4% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +73.1% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +72.8% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +70.9% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +70.0% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +41.7% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +7.9% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average veterinarian salary in Tennessee?
- The median veterinarian salary in Tennessee is $124,350 per year, which averages out to about $60 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, with Tennessee vets earning 0.5% less than the national median.
What is the typical salary range for a veterinarian in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the typical salary range for veterinarians falls between $98,500 and $167,900 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and practice type within the state.
How many veterinarians are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 1,730 veterinarians currently employed in Tennessee. This number indicates a stable demand for veterinary professionals across the state.
Is the salary for veterinarians in Tennessee higher or lower than the national average?
- Veterinarian salaries in Tennessee are slightly lower than the national average, by 0.5%. The median salary in Tennessee is $124,350 per year, compared to the national median.