Vet Tech salary

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

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

Jonesboro, AR
$44,034
$21.17/hr
Russellville, AR
$41,981
$20.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJonesboro, ARRussellville, AR
Median Salary$44,034$41,981
Hourly Rate$21.17$20.18
Entry Level (P10)$33,275$34,256
25th Percentile$35,897$35,895
75th Percentile$54,067$50,973
Top Earner (P90)$59,208$55,092
Total Employed216
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jonesboro ($44,034) and Russellville ($41,981) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.JonesboroRussellvilleMedian Salary$44,034$41,981Entry Level (P10)$33,275$34,256Top Earner (P90)$59,208$55,092US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Jonesboro and Russellville is $2,053 (4.89%). 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 Jonesboro spans $25,933,Russellville spans $20,836. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$33,275
P25$35,897
Median$44,034
P75$54,067
P90 (Top)$59,208
Russellville
P10 (Entry)$34,256
P25$35,895
Median$41,981
P75$50,973
P90 (Top)$55,092

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($50,672 effective) pays 4.89% more than Russellville ($48,310 effective).

Jonesboro
Nominal: $44,034
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $50,672
Russellville
Nominal: $41,981
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $48,310

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Russellville if…

  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Jonesboro, AR

+48.1%

$28,190 (2024) → $41,738 (2025)

Russellville, AR

+48.1%

$26,876 (2024) → $39,792 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Jonesboro has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,034/year, compared to Russellville at $41,981/year — a difference of $2,053 (4.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Russellville?

Jonesboro veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.17/hr while Russellville hygienists earn $20.18/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jonesboro and Russellville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jonesboro = $50,672, Russellville = $48,310), job availability (21 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,275 in Jonesboro and $34,256 in Russellville. The Russellville 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