Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Paragould, AR: $42,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Paragould, AR earns a median $42,433/year (≈ $20.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $48,830 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paragould, Arkansas, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians can anticipate an estimated median annual salary of $42,433 in 2026. This figure positions the local market approximately 15.11% below the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $31,876 at the lower end (P10) to $56,569 at the top (P90). These compensation estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia could substantially elevate earning potential within the local landscape, particularly in specialized settings.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,876 | $15.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,893 | $17.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,433 | $20.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,060 | $25.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,569 | $27.20 |
Median Salary Position
15.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,693 (2026 est.). At $42,433, the local median is 15.11% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Paragould median: $42,433/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,432 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.11% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Paragould, AR earn a median of $42,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $43,432.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould 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.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,433 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,830 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,983
2025 BLS Actual
$40,221
2026 Current Est.
$42,433
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,983 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,781 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,131 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,767 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,983 (2019) to $40,221 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,767 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,784 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $31,876 – $35,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,893 – $42,433 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,433 – $52,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,060 – $56,569 |
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 Paragould
Current job market conditions in Paragould reveal that seven veterinary technologists and technicians are employed locally, providing a modest yet stable working environment. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, professionals in this field may find their take-home pay stretches further compared to higher-cost areas. The highest-paying employers typically include corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, along with specialty referral hospitals that focus on areas such as surgery and internal medicine. Variations in salaries largely stem from the differentials associated with specialty VTS credentials and experience in corporate versus general practice settings. For those looking to maximize their pay in Paragould, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking employment with referral hospitals or corporate chains that offer shift differentials and leadership roles can significantly boost earnings potential.
More salary data for Paragould, 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 $40,221 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Paragould 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 Paragould 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