Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,012 | $43,965▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.68 | $21.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,707 | $33,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,431▲ | $35,757 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,454 | $53,898▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,131 | $58,975▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $953 (2.22%). Fort Smith's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $29,424,Fort Smith spans $25,864. Fayetteville 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, Fort Smith ($50,593 effective) pays 7.45% more than Fayetteville ($47,083 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,965/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,975)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,593)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fayetteville grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.4% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$31,810 (2019) → $40,770 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$28,860 (2020) → $41,673 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
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.
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