Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $19.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Searcy, AR runs $19.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Searcy, AR, earn a median hourly rate of $19.89, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly compensation reflects the challenges faced by professionals in the region, especially when taking into account varying work schedules. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this translates to around $1,262 per monthly paycheck before taxes. With an hourly range spanning from $15.60 at the entry-level to $24.03 for top earners, there are opportunities for growth. Such pay levels can be especially relevant in diverse settings, including general practice clinics, specialized treatment areas, and even academic institutions, where rates for per-diem positions may differ significantly.
About the Searcy 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) | $15.60 | $124.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.45 | $131.58 |
| Median (P50) | $19.89 | $159.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.99 | $183.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.03 | $192.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $19.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $41,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,864. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $795.47 | $3,447 | $41,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $477.28 | $2,068 | $24,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.19 | $1,379 | $16,546 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Searcy) | $19.89 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $41,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.26% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $43,441.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.89/hr = $24,819/year (purchasing power: $28,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,364/year (purchasing power: $47,600).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Searcy grew 34.1% from $14.05/hr (2019) to $18.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.98/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
Focusing on part-time earning potential reveals distinct differences in financial outcomes. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week could take home approximately $30,072 annually, a figure that starkly contrasts with full-time positions. Additionally, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians often command rates of $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-demand roles such as weekend ER coverage where prices may surge to $30-50/hour due to local shortages. The type of employer can also influence pay dynamics in Searcy; corporate chain hospitals and specialty clinics may offer different hourly rates, reflecting their own pay scales based on workforce consolidation. Some professionals may opt for slightly lower hourly rates to secure benefits such as health insurance, weighing the stability of salary against potentially higher but less predictable hourly earnings. For those negotiating their hourly pay in Searcy, demonstrating advanced credentials, such as VTS certification, can make a pivotal impact on their negotiating power.
More salary data for Searcy, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Searcy in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Searcy?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Searcy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Searcy?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Searcy?
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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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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