Vet Tech salary

Benton vs Jonesboro: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Benton, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Benton, AR
$42,554
$20.46/hr
Jonesboro, AR
$44,034
$21.17/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBenton, ARJonesboro, AR
Median Salary$42,554$44,034
Hourly Rate$20.46$21.17
Entry Level (P10)$31,990$33,275
25th Percentile$34,499$35,897
75th Percentile$50,756$54,067
Top Earner (P90)$54,346$59,208
Total Employed521
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Benton ($42,554) and Jonesboro ($44,034) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BentonJonesboroMedian Salary$42,554$44,034Entry Level (P10)$31,990$33,275Top Earner (P90)$54,346$59,208US Median $49,986

Verdict

Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.

The salary gap between Benton and Jonesboro is $1,480 (3.48%). Jonesboro's median is -11.91% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $22,356,Jonesboro spans $25,933. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Benton
P10 (Entry)$31,990
P25$34,499
Median$42,554
P75$50,756
P90 (Top)$54,346
Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$33,275
P25$35,897
Median$44,034
P75$54,067
P90 (Top)$59,208

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($50,672 effective) pays 3.48% more than Benton ($48,969 effective).

Benton
Nominal: $42,554
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $48,969
Jonesboro
Nominal: $44,034
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $50,672

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Benton if…

  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Jonesboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,034/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,208)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,672)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Benton grew 48.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.1% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.

Benton, AR

+48.1%

$27,242 (2024) → $40,336 (2025)

Jonesboro, AR

+48.1%

$28,190 (2024) → $41,738 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Benton or Jonesboro?

Jonesboro has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,034/year, compared to Benton at $42,554/year — a difference of $1,480 (3.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Jonesboro?

Benton veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.46/hr while Jonesboro hygienists earn $21.17/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Benton to Jonesboro as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Benton and Jonesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Benton = $48,969, Jonesboro = $50,672), job availability (5 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Benton vs Jonesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,990 in Benton and $33,275 in Jonesboro. The Jonesboro area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov