Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bentonville, AR: $42,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bentonville, AR earns a median $42,912/year (≈ $20.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bentonville's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $49,381 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bentonville, AR, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $42,912 for 2026, reflecting a notable concern regarding local compensation when compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $30,637 and more experienced or specialized roles earning up to $55,352. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate the ongoing pay dynamics shaped by corporate pay scales prevalent at facilities like VCA and BluePearl. As Bentonville continues to grow and develop its veterinary sector, understanding these salary benchmarks is essential for both aspiring and current veterinary professionals navigating this market.
About the Bentonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,637 | $14.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,215 | $17.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,912 | $20.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,412 | $24.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,352 | $26.61 |
Median Salary Position
14.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bentonville
In Bentonville, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,715 (2026 est.). At $42,912, the local median is 14.15% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Bentonville: You'd be above the median
How Bentonville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bentonville median: $42,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bentonville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,433 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.15% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bentonville, AR earn a median of $42,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $43,433.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bentonville 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.
Bentonville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,912 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,381 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,322
2025 BLS Actual
$40,675
2026 Current Est.
$42,912
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,322 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,635 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,828 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,272 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bentonville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,322 (2019) to $40,675 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,272 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,950 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bentonville 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) | $30,637 – $36,215 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,215 – $42,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,912 – $51,412 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,412 – $55,352 |
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 Bentonville
The local job market features a limited number of positions, with just 12 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area, which can restrict employment opportunities yet point to a niche market. The cost-of-living index stands at 86.9, suggesting that despite lower average salaries, professionals may experience a favorable purchasing power compared to other regions. Corporate veterinary hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher wages due to structured salary scales, while specialty referral hospitals provide additional incentives tied to veterinary technician specialties and credentials such as VTS. The disparity in earnings is often a result of factors including specialization in urgent care or anesthesia, corporate tier differences, and responsibilities tied to mentoring or leadership. For those seeking to increase their pay in Bentonville, pursuing specialty credentials from NAVTA or taking on roles in specialty facilities may prove advantageous in a market where these skills are increasingly coveted.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bentonville, AR in 2026?
Is Bentonville, AR a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Bentonville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Bentonville?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Bentonville?
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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 $40,675 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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