Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $20.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Benton, AR runs $20.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,530 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $20.46, which is significantly lower than the national average of $24.03 per hour. This discrepancy reflects the local job market dynamics and cost of living adjustments, with Benton having a cost of living index of 86.9, well below the national average. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, the earnings can provide a solid income while still allowing for flexible schedules. Entry-level positions can expect to make approximately $15.38 per hour, while experienced technicians can command rates up to $26.13 per hour, showcasing a varied earning potential in this field.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.38 | $123.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.58 | $132.68 |
| Median (P50) | $20.46 | $163.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.40 | $195.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.13 | $209.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $20.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $42,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,548. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $818.26 | $3,546 | $42,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.95 | $2,127 | $25,530 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.30 | $1,418 | $17,020 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Benton) | $20.46 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Benton, AR earn a median of $42,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $43,423.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.46/hr = $25,530/year (purchasing power: $29,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,549/year (purchasing power: $48,964).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Benton grew 34.1% from $14.45/hr (2019) to $19.39/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Benton
For veterinary technologists and technicians contemplating part-time or per-diem work in Benton, the earning potential can differ widely based on the employer type. Working a 24-hour week at the median rate would yield around $25,449 annually, compared to a full-time commitment that might bring home closer to $42,554 annually. Per-diem professionals may find billing rates between $25-$40 per hour, with specialized positions, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists, potentially reaching $35-$55 per hour. Specialty facilities or corporate veterinary practices often offer higher hourly rates but may lack comprehensive benefits, prompting some to choose a stable position with lower pay for the peace of mind that health insurance provides. For those negotiating their pay, being informed about the various expectations and wage rates in Benton, particularly among corporate chains or emergency clinics, can provide leverage to secure favorable terms in this competitive field.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Benton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Benton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Benton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Benton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Benton?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Benton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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