Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $19.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in North Little Rock, AR runs $19.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, Arkansas, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $19.53, which is considerably lower than the national median of $24.03. This wage reflects the economic landscape of the region and what employers can offer in various settings, from general veterinary practice to specialty hospitals and research facilities. Part-time workers, who typically operate on a three-day weekly schedule, may find that this rate allows for a modest income, especially given the salary range that extends from $15.02 for entry-level positions to $26.69 for those at the top of their field. The hourly rates outlined here are derived from estimated annual salary figures and highlight the financial realities for both part-time and per-diem workers considering roles in North Little Rock's veterinary care environment.
About the North Little Rock 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) | $15.02 | $120.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.18 | $129.47 |
| Median (P50) | $19.53 | $156.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.23 | $193.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.69 | $213.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $19.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.53/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $40,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,434. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $781.12 | $3,385 | $40,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.67 | $2,031 | $24,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.45 | $1,354 | $16,247 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (North Little Rock) | $19.53 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $40,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.50% below the Arkansas state average of $43,433.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.53/hr = $24,371/year (purchasing power: $28,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,618/year (purchasing power: $46,741).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Little Rock grew 34.1% from $13.80/hr (2019) to $18.51/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.60/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
When analyzing the earning potential of veterinary technologists and technicians who work part-time, it becomes clear that those working three days a week at a total of 24 hours will bring home a significantly lower income compared to full-time employees, limiting overall career advancements. Per-diem positions, however, can be lucrative; these professionals often command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed veterinary technicians earning even more, between $35 and $55 per hour. Employers vary widely—general practice clinics may offer lower wages than corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which heightens competition for skilled talent. The trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without any coverage is a common dilemma faced by professionals in this field. Those in North Little Rock navigating hourly pay should focus on negotiating salaries that reflect their skills and contributions, particularly as the veterinary workforce continues to experience shortages and rising demand.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in North Little Rock?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in North Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in North Little Rock?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Little Rock?
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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 North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock 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