Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Van Buren, AR: $40,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Van Buren, AR earns a median $40,320/year (≈ $19.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Van Buren's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $46,398 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The 2026 median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Van Buren, Arkansas, stands at $40,320, offering a competitive option compared to many other local professions. Salary estimates indicate a range between $33,341 at the 10th percentile to $51,986 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variability within this field. This assessment is based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for regional cost factors. Although this figure falls approximately 19.34% below the national median salary of $49,986 for the same year, it reflects the specific market dynamics in Van Buren, where corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl play significant roles in shaping compensation for veterinary staff.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,341 | $16.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,578 | $16.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,320 | $19.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,632 | $23.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,986 | $24.99 |
Median Salary Position
19.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Van Buren
In Van Buren, AR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,645 (2026 est.). At $40,320, the local median is 19.34% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Van Buren: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Van Buren Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Van Buren median: $40,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Van Buren Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $43,448 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -19.34% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $40,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.34% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $43,448.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Van Buren 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.
Van Buren, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $40,320 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,398 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$28,490
2025 BLS Actual
$38,218
2026 Current Est.
$40,320
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,248 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,845 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,538 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Van Buren metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $28,490 (2019) to $38,218 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,538 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,048 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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) | $33,341 – $34,578 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,578 – $40,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,320 – $48,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,632 – $51,986 |
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 Van Buren
In Van Buren, the job market for veterinary technologists and technicians is relatively stable, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index in Van Buren is 86.9, suggesting that salaries may stretch further than in regions with higher living costs, ultimately benefiting take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher salaries, particularly for those with advanced credentials such as the VTS specialty. Compensation disparities can be attributed to various factors, including knowledge of high-demand skills and position types; for example, those working in emergency and critical care settings often command higher pay due to the intensity and complexity of the work. For optimal pay, veterinary technologists and technicians in Van Buren should consider pursuing specialization credentials and networking with corporate entities that could enhance career advancement and salary potential.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Van Buren, AR in 2026?
Is Van Buren, AR a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Van Buren?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Van Buren?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Van Buren?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $38,218 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Van Buren 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 Van Buren 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