Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Arkansas: $42,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arkansas's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $42,323/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Arkansas sits at BEA RPP 86.9 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $48,703 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Jonesboro ($41,738), Fort Smith ($41,673), Rogers ($41,437).
In Arkansas, the average median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is projected to be $42,323, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986, creating a salary gap of 15.3%. The highest paying city in the state is Jonesboro at $44,034, while the lowest is Van Buren at $40,320, indicating a difference of $3,714. This disparity can be attributed to varying local demand for veterinary services, cost of living, and the presence of veterinary practices. Arkansas has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that influence the roles of veterinary technologists and technicians. These professionals often play vital roles in animal care, particularly as the demand for veterinary services is driven by factors such as pet ownership trends and increased attention to animal health. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.50%, the job market for this field in Arkansas indicates a positive outlook. In addition to Jonesboro, cities like Fort Smith ($43,965), Rogers ($43,716), Springdale ($43,685), and Jacksonville ($43,124) also reflect competitive salaries. Overall, while salaries in Arkansas may lag behind national averages, the expected growth rate suggests an expanding field with opportunities for advancement and development.
Arkansas Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arkansas: $28,707 (lowest entry-level) to $59,208 (highest top earner)
Arkansas vs National Average
Arkansas veterinary technologists and technicians earn 15.33% less than the national median ($-7,663/year difference).
Arkansas Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Arkansas range from $30,744 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $55,879 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $42,323. The Arkansas median is $7,663 below the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $20.35/hr. Approximately 313 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,060
2025 BLS Actual
$40,117
2026 Current Est.
$42,323
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arkansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,462 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,137 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,651 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arkansas metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 17.8% from $34,060 (2019) to $40,117 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,651 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,591 (31.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arkansas 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Arkansas
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Van Buren | $40,320 |
| Conway | $40,343 |
| North Little Rock | $40,610 |
| Bryant | $41,045 |
| Little Rock | $41,219 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arkansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arkansas cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro | $44,034 | 86.9 | $50,672 |
| Fort Smith | $43,965 | 86.9 | $50,593 |
| Rogers | $43,716 | 86.9 | $50,306 |
| Springdale | $43,685 | 86.9 | $50,270 |
| Jacksonville | $43,124 | 86.9 | $49,625 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $30,744 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $42,323 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $55,879 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arkansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Arkansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonesboro | $44,034 |
| 2 | Fort Smith | $43,965 |
| 3 | Rogers | $43,716 |
| 4 | Springdale | $43,685 |
| 5 | Jacksonville | $43,124 |
| 6 | Fayetteville | $43,012 |
| 7 | Bentonville | $42,912 |
| 8 | Benton | $42,554 |
| 9 | Hot Springs | $42,513 |
| 10 | Paragould | $42,433 |
| 11 | Pine Bluff | $42,399 |
| 12 | Sherwood | $42,203 |
| 13 | Russellville | $41,981 |
| 14 | Cabot | $41,793 |
| 15 | Texarkana | $41,782 |
| 16 | Searcy | $41,356 |
| 17 | Little Rock | $41,219 |
| 18 | Bryant | $41,045 |
| 19 | North Little Rock | $40,610 |
| 20 | Conway | $40,343 |
| 21 | Van Buren | $40,320 |
More Arkansas Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Arkansas cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Arkansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Arkansas?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Arkansas?
Which Arkansas city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Arkansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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