Agriculture & Environment Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Veterinary Technician Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median veterinary technician salary in Fort Smith, AR is $30,600 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$30,600
vs State Avg
$-1,530
vs National
$-7,650
Cost of Living
80%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median veterinary technician salary of $30,600, which is $1,530 below the Arkansas state average of $32,130. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $30,600 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for veterinary technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Fort Smith spans from $21,600 at the 10th percentile to $44,000 at the 90th percentile — a $22,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,200, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $42,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $23,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $42,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,200
$-5,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$42,400
$-10,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $21,600
25th Percentile $25,600
Median (50th) $30,600
75th Percentile $36,800
90th Percentile $44,000

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$33,660
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$33,278
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$32,130
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$31,365
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Fort Smith

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $30,600 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $21,600 (10th percentile) to $44,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,600, a veterinary technician in Fort Smith earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median veterinary technician salary of $30,600 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $32,130. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $30,600 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Fort Smith? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Fort Smith require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.