Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $19.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Conway, AR runs $19.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,343 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, Arkansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $19.39, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This difference indicates that for part-time employees working three days a week, or those considering per diem roles, the earnings can be quite different from what their counterparts might see elsewhere in the country. The hourly range here varies significantly, from $14.80 for entry-level positions to $25.51 for experienced professionals, offering various pathways for earning potential. These rates are informed by 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the reality of the local market conditions in settings such as general veterinary practices, specialty emergency clinics, and research facilities.
About the Conway 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) | $14.80 | $118.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.92 | $127.36 |
| Median (P50) | $19.39 | $155.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.54 | $188.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.51 | $204.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $19.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.39/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $40,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,269. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $775.64 | $3,361 | $40,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $465.38 | $2,017 | $24,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $310.25 | $1,344 | $16,133 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Conway) | $19.39 |
| 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 Conway, AR earn a median of $40,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.29% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.10% below the Arkansas state average of $43,426.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.39/hr = $24,200/year (purchasing power: $27,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,333/year (purchasing power: $46,413).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Conway grew 34.1% from $13.70/hr (2019) to $18.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.46/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 Conway 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 Conway
For those taking on part-time positions, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual income significantly below that of full-time staff, making it essential to weigh the financial benefits of part-time versus full-time roles. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Conway can result in earnings ranging from $25 to $40 per hour based on agency practices, with specialized roles often commanding $35 to $55 an hour. The varied compensation across different employer types—like private general clinics compared to corporate chains or university facilities—also plays a crucial role in determining total take-home pay. Many professionals face a trade-off when selecting between higher hourly wages with minimal benefits versus lower wages with health coverage, a decision that can heavily influence job satisfaction and career trajectory. For those in Conway, effective negotiation strategies are key, particularly in light of competitive shifts in the veterinary labor market prompted by ongoing shortages.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Conway. 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 Conway 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