Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Paragould, AR: $20.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Paragould, AR runs $20.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Paragould's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Paragould, Arkansas, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $20.40. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly wage of $24.03, reflecting local economic conditions. For professionals in this field, this means that part-time workers, such as those employed for three days a week, can expect to make an income that may limit their financial flexibility. Per-diem roles in various settings, including veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, further illustrate earning dynamics, with broader ranges typically spanning from $15.33 for entry-level roles to as much as $27.20 for top earners, based on estimates derived from annual salary data.
About the Paragould 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) | $15.33 | $122.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.26 | $138.08 |
| Median (P50) | $20.40 | $163.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.02 | $200.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.20 | $217.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paragould
Based on $20.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.40/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paragould, AR can expect to earn approximately $42,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,484. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paragould.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paragould
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $816.15 | $3,537 | $42,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $489.69 | $2,122 | $25,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.46 | $1,415 | $16,976 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Paragould) | $20.40 |
| 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 Paragould, AR earn a median of $42,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $43,432.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.40/hr = $25,464/year (purchasing power: $29,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,440/year (purchasing power: $48,837).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paragould grew 34.1% from $14.42/hr (2019) to $19.34/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.53/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 Paragould 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 Paragould
Analyzing the pay structure reveals significant opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paragould. For example, working part-time at approximately 24 hours a week results in annual earnings that are considerably less compared to full-time commitments, creating potential financial challenges. Per diem arrangements can offer more lucrative options, as many vet techs bill between $25 and $40 an hour. Credentialed specialists can extend their earnings even further, sometimes reaching $55 an hour, particularly in shortage markets that require weekend and overnight coverages. Variability in hourly rates arises from the type of employer, with general practice clinics typically offering lower remuneration compared to corporate chains or specialty facilities. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for the sake of benefits, it's essential for veterinary professionals to negotiate effectively. Understanding local market trends and salary expectations can provide a more advantageous position in salary discussions.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paragould in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Paragould?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Paragould paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Paragould?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Paragould?
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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 Paragould. 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 Paragould 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