Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Texarkana, AR: $20.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Texarkana, AR runs $20.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Texarkana's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,069 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Texarkana, Arkansas, is projected to be $20.09. This figure is notably below the national median of $24.03, which may have implications for part-time and per-diem workers seeking flexible jobs in various settings, including general veterinary practice, specialty hospital ICUs, university clinics, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. The hourly rate range will span from approximately $16.24 for those at the entry-level (10th percentile) to about $26.17 for top earners (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the financial landscape of veterinary support roles in Texarkana and may impact decisions regarding career paths and specializations within the profession.
About the Texarkana 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) | $16.24 | $129.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.06 | $136.47 |
| Median (P50) | $20.09 | $160.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.28 | $194.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.17 | $209.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Texarkana
Based on $20.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Texarkana, AR can expect to earn approximately $41,781 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,105. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Texarkana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Texarkana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $803.49 | $3,482 | $41,781 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.09 | $2,089 | $25,069 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.40 | $1,393 | $16,713 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Texarkana) | $20.09 |
| 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 Texarkana, AR earn a median of $41,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Arkansas state average of $43,433.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.09/hr = $25,069/year (purchasing power: $28,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,781/year (purchasing power: $48,080).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Texarkana grew 34.1% from $14.19/hr (2019) to $19.04/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.19/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 Texarkana 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 Texarkana
Shifting to the dynamics of part-time and per-diem work, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would see significantly lower annual earnings compared to full-time positions. While full-time positions typically offer stable incomes and benefits, those opting for per-diem roles may command much higher hourly rates, ranging from $25 to $40, and even more for specialized roles, such as VTS-credentialed technicians, who can earn $35-$55. In Texarkana, variations in employer types—from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals—further influence hourly pay. Workers often weigh the choice of lower hourly wages for substantial benefits against higher pay without coverage. For those in a position to negotiate, it can be beneficial to consider the full compensation package, including health insurance, as a crucial part of career decisions in this evolving field.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Texarkana in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Texarkana?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Texarkana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Texarkana?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Texarkana?
Related Pages
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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 Texarkana. 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 Texarkana 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