Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $21.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Jonesboro, AR runs $21.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to average $21.17 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This wage can significantly impact professionals seeking part-time roles, particularly those working three days a week or in per-diem positions across various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university veterinary schools. With entry-level positions starting at around $15.99, and seasoned professionals earning upwards of $28.46, the potential for varied income reflects experience and sector. Estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, presenting a useful perspective for those evaluating their earning capacity in this region.
About the Jonesboro 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) | $15.99 | $127.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.26 | $138.08 |
| Median (P50) | $21.17 | $169.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.00 | $207.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.46 | $227.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $21.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $44,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,409. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $846.95 | $3,670 | $44,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.17 | $2,202 | $26,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.78 | $1,468 | $17,617 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Jonesboro) | $21.17 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $44,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $43,426.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.17/hr = $26,425/year (purchasing power: $30,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,042/year (purchasing power: $50,681).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jonesboro grew 34.1% from $14.96/hr (2019) to $20.07/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.34/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
When considering the earning potential of veterinary technologists and technicians who work part-time in Jonesboro, it’s essential to recognize the annual income based on fewer hours compared to full-time positions. A part-time worker on a three-day schedule (about 24 hours weekly) may find their income significantly reduced compared to full-timers. Moreover, the per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Jonesboro can be quite lucrative, with typical rates ranging from $25 to $40 hourly for general shifts, and specialty-certified technicians commanding between $35 and $55 per hour. Facilities such as corporate chain hospitals and emergency clinics often offer competitive pay, particularly for weekend and overnight shifts, sometimes reaching $30 to $50 per hour due to workforce shortages. However, some technicians may prioritize job security and health benefits over a higher hourly wage. Negotiating salaries in this climate could involve emphasizing specialty certifications and flexibility in work schedules, particularly to meet the demands of the local veterinary market.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jonesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Jonesboro?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Jonesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Jonesboro?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Jonesboro?
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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 Jonesboro. 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 Jonesboro 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