Vet Tech salary

Jonesboro vs Van Buren: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Jonesboro, AR
$44,034
$21.17/hr
Van Buren, AR
$40,320
$19.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJonesboro, ARVan Buren, AR
Median Salary$44,034$40,320
Hourly Rate$21.17$19.38
Entry Level (P10)$33,275$33,341
25th Percentile$35,897$34,578
75th Percentile$54,067$48,632
Top Earner (P90)$59,208$51,986
Total Employed215
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jonesboro ($44,034) and Van Buren ($40,320) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.JonesboroVan BurenMedian Salary$44,034$40,320Entry Level (P10)$33,275$33,341Top Earner (P90)$59,208$51,986US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Jonesboro and Van Buren is $3,714 (9.21%). 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,Van Buren spans $18,645. 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
Van Buren
P10 (Entry)$33,341
P25$34,578
Median$40,320
P75$48,632
P90 (Top)$51,986

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($50,672 effective) pays 9.21% more than Van Buren ($46,398 effective).

Jonesboro
Nominal: $44,034
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $50,672
Van Buren
Nominal: $40,320
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $46,398

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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren over the same period.

Jonesboro, AR

+48.1%

$28,190 (2024) → $41,738 (2025)

Van Buren, AR

+48.1%

$25,812 (2024) → $38,218 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Jonesboro has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,034/year, compared to Van Buren at $40,320/year — a difference of $3,714 (9.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Van Buren?

Jonesboro veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.17/hr while Van Buren hygienists earn $19.38/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jonesboro and Van Buren. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jonesboro = $50,672, Van Buren = $46,398), job availability (21 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,275 in Jonesboro and $33,341 in Van Buren. The Van Buren 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