Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Russellville, AR: $20.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Russellville, AR runs $20.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,981 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Russellville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,187 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Russellville, Arkansas, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $20.18 in 2026. This figure places the local average significantly below the national hourly median of $24.03, indicating a pay gap that part-time and per-diem workers in the field may want to consider. For instance, a part-time veterinary technologist working three days a week would earn a weekly salary that translates into practical financial planning, whether in general veterinary practices, specialty animal hospitals, or research facilities. With an hourly wage range in Russellville from $16.47 for entry-level positions to $26.49 for top earners, these roles can offer varying financial rewards depending on skill level, credentials, and the clinical setting.
About the Russellville 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) | $16.47 | $131.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.26 | $138.08 |
| Median (P50) | $20.18 | $161.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.51 | $196.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.49 | $211.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Russellville
Based on $20.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.18/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Russellville, AR can expect to earn approximately $41,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,219. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Russellville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Russellville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $807.29 | $3,498 | $41,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.37 | $2,099 | $25,187 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.91 | $1,399 | $16,792 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Russellville) | $20.18 |
| 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 Russellville, AR earn a median of $41,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.01% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the Arkansas state average of $43,458.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.18/hr = $25,187/year (purchasing power: $28,984).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,979/year (purchasing power: $48,307).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Russellville grew 34.1% from $14.26/hr (2019) to $19.13/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.29/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 Russellville 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 Russellville
Analyzing the hour-to-hour earnings, a part-time veterinary technologist working 24 hours a week would net approximately $25,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with the full-time potential in the market. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Russellville often ranges significantly; freelance techs might bill $25-$40 per hour, while specialty technologists can command $30-$55 per hour depending on shifts and urgency. This variability highlights the differences across employer types in the area, with corporate chain hospitals often offering lower base rates compared to specialty or university teaching hospitals that provide higher compensation for advanced skills. When negotiating pay, it's essential for veterinary technicians to weigh the benefits of full-time health insurance and stability against the higher hourly rates available to those willing to work with agencies or in per-diem roles. Understanding local pay structures can empower technicians to make informed decisions about their careers in Russellville, AR.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Russellville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Russellville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Russellville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Russellville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Russellville?
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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 Russellville. 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 Russellville 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