Veterinarian Salary

La Vergne vs Memphis: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between La Vergne, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

La Vergne, TN
$122,864
$59.07/hr
Memphis, TN
$132,087
$63.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLa Vergne, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$122,864$132,087
Hourly Rate$59.07$63.50
Entry Level (P10)$74,375$106,352
25th Percentile$98,132$113,920
75th Percentile$154,748$163,671
Top Earner (P90)$190,440$183,949
Total Employed8310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing La Vergne ($122,864) and Memphis ($132,087) veterinarian salaries.La VergneMemphisMedian Salary$122,864$132,087Entry Level (P10)$74,375$106,352Top Earner (P90)$190,440$183,949US Median $137,334

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vergne.

The salary gap between La Vergne and Memphis is $9,223 (7.51%). Memphis's median is -3.82% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Vergne spans $116,065,Memphis spans $77,597. La Vergne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

La Vergne
P10 (Entry)$74,375
P25$98,132
Median$122,864
P75$154,748
P90 (Top)$190,440
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$106,352
P25$113,920
Median$132,087
P75$163,671
P90 (Top)$183,949

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($143,294 effective) pays 7.06% more than La Vergne ($133,839 effective).

La Vergne
Nominal: $122,864
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $133,839
Memphis
Nominal: $132,087
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $143,294

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose La Vergne if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($190,440)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($132,087/year)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,294)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in La Vergne grew 25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.2% growth in Memphis over the same period.

La Vergne, TN

+25.2%

$92,935 (2024) → $116,393 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+43.2%

$87,390 (2019) → $125,130 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: La Vergne or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median veterinarian salary at $132,087/year, compared to La Vergne at $122,864/year — a difference of $9,223 (7.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between La Vergne and Memphis?

La Vergne veterinarians earn $59.07/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $63.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from La Vergne to Memphis as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing La Vergne and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: La Vergne = $133,839, Memphis = $143,294), job availability (8 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in La Vergne vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $74,375 in La Vergne and $106,352 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov