Columbia vs Knoxville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,370 | $127,896▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.27 | $61.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,715 | $106,056▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,563 | $108,125▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,474▲ | $141,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,324▲ | $179,758 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $2,526 (2.01%). Knoxville's median is -6.87% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $121,609,Knoxville spans $73,702. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($138,163 effective) pays 1.17% more than Columbia ($136,569 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,324)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,896/year)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,163)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Columbia grew 25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 77.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$94,830 (2024) → $118,767 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$68,280 (2019) → $121,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Columbia or Knoxville?
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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.
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