Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hot Springs, AR: $42,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hot Springs, AR earns a median $42,513/year (≈ $20.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hot Springs's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $48,922 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hot Springs, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary reflects a nuanced pay scale influenced heavily by the corporate chains operating in the area, such as VCA and BluePearl. The projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $42,513, which is notably lower compared to the national median of $49,986. Salary ranges for this role vary widely from $31,892 at the 10th percentile to $54,214 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, provide insight into the local job market and emphasize the presence of corporate pay structures, which often dictate wage standards, especially in a city like Hot Springs where career opportunities can be limited.
About the Hot Springs Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,892 | $15.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,415 | $16.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,513 | $20.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,659 | $24.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,214 | $26.07 |
Median Salary Position
14.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hot Springs
In Hot Springs, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,322 (2026 est.). At $42,513, the local median is 14.95% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hot Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hot Springs Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hot Springs median: $42,513/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hot Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,425 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.95% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $42,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $43,425.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hot Springs 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.
Hot Springs, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,513 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,922 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,040
2025 BLS Actual
$40,297
2026 Current Est.
$42,513
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,201 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,297 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hot Springs metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,040 (2019) to $40,297 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,812 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hot Springs 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) | $31,892 – $34,415 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,415 – $42,513 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,513 – $50,659 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,659 – $54,214 |
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 Hot Springs
Currently, Hot Springs employs only six veterinary technologists and technicians, underscoring a tight job market. The area's cost of living index is at 86.9, indicating that expenses are below the national average, which can positively affect take-home pay. The highest salaries in this region are typically found in corporate veterinary practices and specialty hospitals, where additional certifications and expertise are rewarded with higher pay. Factors such as VTS specialty credentials, experience in emergency and critical care, and shift differentials significantly contribute to earnings potential. To maximize compensation, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking employment with larger corporate practices or specialty referral hospitals, as these settings are more likely to provide competitive wages and growth opportunities in Hot Springs.
More salary data for Hot Springs, 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 $40,297 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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