Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $19.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Van Buren, AR runs $19.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,187 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Van Buren, Arkansas, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $19.38, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. This difference means that part-time and per-diem workers might face some financial challenges in a market where typical veterinary practice settings, whether in general clinics, specialty hospitals, or university teaching hospitals, usually expect staff to work substantial hours for adequate pay. The hourly pay range within the region spans from $16.03 for entry-level positions to about $24.99 for experienced or specialized technicians. Understanding these rates is crucial for those considering part-time roles or flexible per-diem opportunities, especially given the high demand in veterinary care sectors, which often struggle to fill positions adequately.
About the Van Buren 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) | $16.03 | $128.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.63 | $133.01 |
| Median (P50) | $19.38 | $155.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.38 | $187.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $19.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $40,311 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,256. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $775.21 | $3,359 | $40,311 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $465.13 | $2,016 | $24,187 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $310.09 | $1,344 | $16,124 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Van Buren) | $19.38 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $40,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $43,448.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.38/hr = $24,187/year (purchasing power: $27,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,311/year (purchasing power: $46,388).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Van Buren grew 34.1% from $13.69/hr (2019) to $18.37/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.45/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
Evaluating the earning potential further reveals a stark contrast for those who opt for part-time work at three days a week—leading to an annual income considerably less than that of full-time staff. Many per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, especially if they hold a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. Emergencies and overnight shifts may earn even more, with rates ranging from $30 to $50 per hour in markets that face staffing shortages. In Van Buren, earnings can vary widely depending on the type of institution—whether it’s a corporate chain clinic, a specialty referral hospital, or a research facility. Those who prioritize benefits such as health insurance may find themselves accepting lower hourly rates, while others seek out higher pay without benefits. Beginners looking to negotiate should remember to research the specific requirements of their desired position and network effectively within local veterinary circles to enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Van Buren in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Van Buren?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Van Buren?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?
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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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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