Jacksonville vs Little Rock: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Jacksonville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,481▲ | $113,298 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.96▲ | $54.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,548▲ | $40,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,026▲ | $84,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,223▲ | $131,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,645▲ | $156,778 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Little Rock is $5,183 (4.57%). Jacksonville's median is -13.73% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $114,097,Little Rock spans $116,665. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jacksonville ($136,342 effective) pays 7.54% more than Little Rock ($126,783 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,481/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,645)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,342)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Jacksonville grew 38.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Jacksonville, AR
$81,096 (2024) → $112,240 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$94,900 (2019) → $107,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Jacksonville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Little Rock as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Jacksonville vs Little Rock?
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