Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Benton, AR: $42,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Benton, AR earns a median $42,554/year (≈ $20.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $48,969 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Benton, Arkansas are projected to earn a median annual salary of $42,554, reflecting a notable disparity when compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range within this field varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $31,990 and experienced technologists earning up to $54,346. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions. Benton presents a unique opportunity for those pursuing VTS specialty qualifications in emergency and critical care or anesthesia; these credentials can significantly enhance earning potential, positioning candidates to compete more effectively in this growing job market.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,990 | $15.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,499 | $16.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,554 | $20.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,756 | $24.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,346 | $26.13 |
Median Salary Position
14.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,356 (2026 est.). At $42,554, the local median is 14.87% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Benton median: $42,554/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,423 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.87% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Benton, AR earn a median of $42,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $43,423.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,554 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,969 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,069
2025 BLS Actual
$40,336
2026 Current Est.
$42,554
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,869 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,555 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,895 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,069 (2019) to $40,336 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,895 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,826 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $31,990 – $34,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,499 – $42,554 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,554 – $50,756 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,756 – $54,346 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Benton
Currently, there are five veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Benton, indicating a tight-knit community and a demand for skilled professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, salaries in Benton, AR may translate to a more favorable purchasing power compared to larger metropolitan areas. Local employers range from general practice clinics to specialty hospitals, with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically offering higher pay scales. The widespread disparity in pay can be attributed to factors like specialty credentials, the type of practice, and shifts in the workforce following recent pay increases of 25-40% between 2020 and 2024. To maximize earning potential, aspiring professionals should consider advancing their education and credentials through institutions recognized by NAVTA and AVMA CVTEA, as these paths can lead to desirable positions commanding higher hourly rates.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,336 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Benton metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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