Fayetteville vs Jonesboro: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,341▲ | $120,980 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.33▲ | $58.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,031 | $70,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,632▲ | $93,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,104 | $154,854▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,024 | $187,519▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Jonesboro is $361 (0.30%). Fayetteville's median is -11.65% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $120,993,Jonesboro spans $117,350. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($139,217 effective) pays 4.81% more than Fayetteville ($132,827 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,341/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,519)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,217)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Fayetteville grew -5.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$121,070 (2019) → $114,950 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$82,807 (2024) → $114,608 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Fayetteville or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Jonesboro as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov