Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bentonville, AR: $20.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bentonville, AR runs $20.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bentonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,753 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bentonville, Arkansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay averages $20.64, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this hourly rate translates into approximately $29,000 annually before taxes—making it an accessible option for those balancing other commitments or pursuing additional credentials. The hourly pay range for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bentonville spans from $14.73 for entry-level positions to $26.61 for the more experienced or specialized, reflecting various career paths within this vital sector, including roles in general practice, specialty veterinary hospitals, and academic institutions. The figures provided here are derived from projected data based on 2025 BLS data, indicating evolving trends in compensation for this profession.
About the Bentonville 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) | $14.73 | $117.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.41 | $139.26 |
| Median (P50) | $20.64 | $165.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.72 | $197.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.61 | $212.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bentonville
Based on $20.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.64/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bentonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $42,922 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,763. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bentonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bentonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $825.43 | $3,577 | $42,922 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $495.26 | $2,146 | $25,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.17 | $1,431 | $17,169 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bentonville) | $20.64 |
| 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 Bentonville, AR earn a median of $42,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $43,433.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.64/hr = $25,753/year (purchasing power: $29,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,922/year (purchasing power: $49,393).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bentonville grew 34.1% from $14.58/hr (2019) to $19.56/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.77/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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville
Considering the earning potential for part-time staff, it's essential to understand how taking a position three days a week can significantly limit overall take-home pay compared to full-time employment opportunities. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Bentonville frequently earn rates between $25-$40 an hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists occasionally commanding $35-$55 for specialized procedures. In areas facing labor shortages, weekend or overnight shifts can yield hourly wages of $30-$50, making these roles highly lucrative. Hourly rates can differ significantly across employers, whether at local clinics, corporate chains, or research facilities. Many technologists must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly pay with limited or no benefits and slightly lower compensation that includes health insurance and other advantages. For those in negotiations, clearly communicating your value, considering the lay of the employment landscape, and leveraging any specialty skills will be key to securing higher hourly rates in Bentonville's competitive job market.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bentonville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bentonville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bentonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bentonville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bentonville?
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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 Bentonville. 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 Bentonville 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