Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $21.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fort Smith, AR runs $21.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,965 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,385 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $21.14, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This disparity reflects local economic conditions and the prevailing cost of living, which is rated at 86.9—below the national average. For veterinary professionals working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly rate translates to just over $1,690 monthly, which may limit their financial flexibility. Entry-level positions can see pay starting at $15.92 per hour, with top earners reaching up to $28.36 per hour, highlighting the potential for increased earnings as one gains experience or shifts to more specialized settings such as emergency care or university veterinary hospitals.
About the Fort Smith 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) | $15.92 | $127.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.19 | $137.49 |
| Median (P50) | $21.14 | $169.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.91 | $207.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.36 | $226.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $21.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.14/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $43,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,371. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $845.69 | $3,665 | $43,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $507.41 | $2,199 | $26,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.28 | $1,466 | $17,590 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fort Smith) | $21.14 |
| 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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $43,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $43,444.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.14/hr = $26,385/year (purchasing power: $30,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,976/year (purchasing power: $50,605).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Smith grew 34.1% from $14.94/hr (2019) to $20.04/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.31/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
Considering the realities of part-time and per-diem work, those in the field often assess their annual earnings against full-time wages. A part-time vet tech working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $27,000 annually at the current rate, a stark contrast to full-timers who benefit from consistent income and potential benefits. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fort Smith typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty technicians citing up to $55 per hour for their expertise. Various employment settings can influence compensation as well; positions in corporate chain hospitals or specialty facilities often offer higher hourly wages but might lack comparable benefits found in community clinics. This leads many to weigh the financial trade-offs of higher hourly pay against the advantages of health insurance and paid time off that full-time roles might provide. For those negotiating their compensation, highlighting relevant experience and pursuing specialty certifications can be essential strategies to achieve better hourly rates in this competitive market.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Smith in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fort Smith?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Smith paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fort Smith?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Smith?
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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 Fort Smith. 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 Fort Smith 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