Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,965▲ | $41,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.14▲ | $19.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,111▲ | $28,918 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,757▲ | $35,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,898▲ | $47,042 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,975▲ | $53,330 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $2,746 (6.66%). 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 Fort Smith spans $25,864,Little Rock spans $24,412. Fort Smith 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 9.69% more than Little Rock ($46,125 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fort Smith grew 44.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$28,860 (2020) → $41,673 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$34,060 (2019) → $39,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fort Smith vs Little Rock?
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