Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $20.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $20.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,399 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,437 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Pine Bluff, AR, earn a median hourly pay of $20.38, which reflects a 15.18% decrease compared to the national median of $24.03. This rate can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. For those working three days a week, the opportunity for a stable income exists, while entry-level positions may start as low as $15.27 per hour, contrasting with the highest-paid professionals who can earn up to $27.09 hourly. Notably, these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a clear picture of what individuals may expect based on the demands of the profession in the local market.
About the Pine Bluff 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) | $15.27 | $122.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.44 | $131.50 |
| Median (P50) | $20.38 | $163.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.00 | $200.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.09 | $216.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $20.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $42,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,459. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $815.30 | $3,533 | $42,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $489.18 | $2,120 | $25,437 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.12 | $1,413 | $16,958 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pine Bluff) | $20.38 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $42,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $43,442.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.38/hr = $25,437/year (purchasing power: $29,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,396/year (purchasing power: $48,787).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pine Bluff grew 34.1% from $14.40/hr (2019) to $19.32/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.50/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
When considering the financial aspects of working as a veterinary technologist and technician in Pine Bluff, part-time employees working a 24-hour week could anticipate an annual income that is substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles, often available in various veterinary clinics or hospitals, offer higher pay rates; for instance, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with specialty credentials can command even more, with rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. In Pine Bluff, the differences in hourly pay can also hinge on the type of employer, with specialty hospitals and pharmaceutical research labs typically offering more competitive compensation than general practices. Furthermore, professionals must weigh the benefits of employment stability and health insurance against the potential for higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiating pay at the local level may involve presenting a solid case based on these variances to secure a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pine Bluff in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pine Bluff?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pine Bluff paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pine Bluff?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pine Bluff?
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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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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