Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, AR: $58.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Fayetteville, AR runs $58.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.4, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,799 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at a median rate of $58.33, which is notably lower than the national median of $66.03. This rate offers a competitive, yet distinct compensation landscape for both part-time and per-diem veterinarians within various settings like general practice examination rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. Those who work three days a week, for instance, can find flexible and lucrative opportunities, while those involved in per-diem work may benefit from diverse job experiences. The hourly range for veterinarians in Fayetteville extends from $19.73 at the entry level to $77.89 for those at the top of their profession, highlighting opportunities for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners to thrive in the field.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.73 | $157.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.23 | $417.85 |
| Median (P50) | $58.33 | $466.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.40 | $531.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.89 | $623.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $58.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.33/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, AR can expect to earn approximately $121,332 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,999. With a cost-of-living index of 91.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,333.30 | $10,111 | $121,332 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,399.98 | $6,067 | $72,799 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $933.32 | $4,044 | $48,533 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Fayetteville) | $58.33 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $121,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.65% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.70% above the Arkansas state average of $119,313.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.33/hr = $72,799/year (purchasing power: $79,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,332/year (purchasing power: $132,816).
CoL index: 91.353 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+5.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Fayetteville grew -5.1% from $58.21/hr (2019) to $55.26/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinarian in Fayetteville
Veterinarians practicing part-time in Fayetteville often make a strategic choice to enjoy a better work-life balance, typically earning around $45,035 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. In contrast, full-time veterinarians can see their earnings significantly increase. Per diem veterinarian pay in Fayetteville can vary widely; relief veterinarians often bill between $90 and $140 per hour at general practices, while specialized fields like surgery or emergency care can see rates soar to $150-$250 per hour. It's also noteworthy that hourly compensation can differ based on the employer type—corporate chains, independent practices, equine facilities, and specialty hospitals all present their own pay structures. Many veterinarians balance the desire for higher hourly rates with the benefits of stable employment, such as health insurance that corporate chains offer. In negotiations, it's beneficial for veterinarians in Fayetteville to emphasize their unique skills, as this can lead to better salary offers, especially in a growing market facing corporate consolidation pressures.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Fayetteville?
Are veterinarians in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Fayetteville?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Fayetteville?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Fayetteville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov