Fayetteville vs Hot Springs: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,012▲ | $42,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.68▲ | $20.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,707 | $31,892▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,431▲ | $34,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,454 | $50,659▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,131▲ | $54,214 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Hot Springs is $499 (1.17%). Fayetteville's median is -13.95% 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,Hot Springs spans $22,322. 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, Hot Springs ($48,922 effective) pays 3.90% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,012/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,131)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,922)
- ✓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 48.1% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$31,810 (2019) → $40,770 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$27,217 (2024) → $40,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fayetteville or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Hot Springs?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Hot Springs as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Hot Springs?
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