Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pine Bluff, AR: $42,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pine Bluff, AR earns a median $42,399/year (≈ $20.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pine Bluff's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $48,791 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is estimated to be $42,399 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals extends from $31,750 at the 10th percentile to $56,353 at the 90th percentile. These figures, tailored to local economic conditions, indicate a significant disparity when compared to broader workforce trends, reflecting the challenges of a market where corporate veterinary hospitals like VCA and BluePearl govern pay scales. As the demand for skilled veterinary staff continues to rise, understanding the intricacies of local compensation remains crucial for prospective technologists and technicians in Pine Bluff.
About the Pine Bluff Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,750 | $15.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,182 | $16.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,399 | $20.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,010 | $25.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,353 | $27.09 |
Median Salary Position
15.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pine Bluff
In Pine Bluff, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,603 (2026 est.). At $42,399, the local median is 15.18% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pine Bluff: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pine Bluff Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pine Bluff median: $42,399/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pine Bluff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,442 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -15.18% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $42,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $43,442.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pine Bluff 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.
Pine Bluff, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,399 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,791 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,959
2025 BLS Actual
$40,189
2026 Current Est.
$42,399
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,959 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,189 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,731 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pine Bluff metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $29,959 (2019) to $40,189 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,731 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,772 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pine Bluff 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) | $31,750 – $34,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,182 – $42,399 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,399 – $52,010 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,010 – $56,353 |
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 Pine Bluff
A closer look at the job market reveals that there are currently eight veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area. With a cost of living index at 86.9, the purchasing power for these salaries can be relatively favorable compared to other regions, despite the lower overall pay scale. Among local employers, corporate veterinary chains typically offer the highest salaries, with additional pay incentives available in specialty hospitals that require advanced skills such as a VTS specialty credential. This results in a pronounced pay gap, influenced by factors like specialty credentials, corporate pay structures, and experience levels. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Pine Bluff, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking out employment at corporate or specialty facilities remain effective strategies to enhance overall veterinary technologist and technician pay in Pine Bluff, AR.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pine Bluff, AR in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Pine Bluff?
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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 $40,189 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff 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