Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Fayetteville, AR: $43,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Fayetteville, AR earns a median $43,012/year (≈ $20.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Fayetteville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.4), that paycheck buys what $47,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, AR, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $43,012, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986. This salary reflects a significant corporate pay structure, particularly from larger veterinary organizations like VCA and BluePearl, which are prominent in the market. The salary range for these professionals in the area stretches from $28,707 at the lower end to $58,131 for those achieving top-tier positions. This data comes from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicating a diverse pay scale influenced by factors such as experience, level of specialization, and type of employment. As a result, those pursuing careers as veterinary technologists and technicians in Fayetteville may find opportunities for growth amid a competitive landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,707 | $13.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,431 | $18.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,012 | $20.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,454 | $22.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,131 | $27.95 |
Median Salary Position
13.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,424 (2026 est.). At $43,012, the local median is 13.95% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fayetteville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fayetteville Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Fayetteville median: $43,012/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fayetteville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,447 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -13.95% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $43,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% below the Arkansas state average of $43,447.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fayetteville has a cost of living 8.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fayetteville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 91.353 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,012 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,083 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.46% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,810
2025 BLS Actual
$40,770
2026 Current Est.
$43,012
2019–2027 Growth
+42.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,905 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,378 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fayetteville metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 28.2% from $31,810 (2019) to $40,770 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,378 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,568 (42.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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) | $28,707 – $37,431 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,431 – $43,012 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,012 – $47,454 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,454 – $58,131 |
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 Fayetteville
With 70 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Fayetteville, the local job market is fairly stable, yet the cost of living index stands at 91.353, suggesting that housing and daily expenses are below the national average. Consequently, the take-home purchasing power for these professionals is somewhat enhanced compared to regions with higher living costs. Among the various employers in Fayetteville, general practice veterinary clinics, corporate chain hospitals, and specialty referral hospitals provide differing pay rates, with corporate chains often offering competitive salaries due to structured pay scales. It’s essential for aspiring veterinary technicians to consider pursuing VTS specialty credentials, such as in emergency care or anesthesia, as these can lead to higher salaries, sometimes commanding $30-$45 per hour. Additionally, focusing on roles in specialty hospitals and seeking opportunities for mentorship or lead positions can further optimize pay potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fayetteville, 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 $40,770 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Fayetteville 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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