Veterinarian Salary

Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $58.16 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Jonesboro, AR runs $58.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,980 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,588 per year.

$120,980
Median Annual Salary
$58.16/hr
Hourly Rate
$70,169
Entry Level (P10)
$187,519
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarian Hourly Rate in Jonesboro, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Jonesboro, AR veterinarian hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Jonesboro, Arkansas, the veterinarian hourly pay stands at $58.16, which remains lower than the national hourly median of $66.03. This difference can have significant implications for those in part-time and per-diem roles. For instance, a veterinarian working three days a week may earn approximately $41,171 annually, which is considerably less than a full-time (40 hours a week) counterpart could expect. Within Jonesboro, the hourly wage ranges from $33.74 for entry-level positions up to $90.15 for the most experienced veterinarians. Observing various work settings, such as general practice, surgical units, and specialty clinics, highlights that these rates reflect estimated earnings partially derived from the annual salary data, indicating potential fluctuations in pay across different employment environments.

About the Jonesboro Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$33.74$269.90
Lower Range (P25)$45.01$360.09
Median (P50)$58.16$465.31
Upper Range (P75)$74.45$595.61
Top Earners (P90)$90.15$721.19

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro

Based on $58.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinarian in Jonesboro earning $58.16/hr would make approximately $69,796 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $120,980 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$69,796Reduced (32 hr/wk)$93,062Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$120,980

At $58.16/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $120,980 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,796. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$465.31
per 8hr shift
$2,326.54
per week
$10,082
per month
$120,980
per year

Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,326.54$10,082$120,980
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,395.93$6,049$72,588
Per Diem (16 hrs)$930.62$4,033$48,392

Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinarian (Jonesboro)$58.16
Veterinary Technician (National Avg)$19.39
Physician (National Avg)$113.07
Dentist (National Avg)$87.53
Optometrist (National Avg)$64.22
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinarian median salary in Jonesboro ($120,980) with Arkansas average ($119,310) and the US national median ($137,334).Jonesboro$120,980Arkansas Avg$119,310+1.40%US National$137,334-11.91%

Veterinarians in Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $120,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $119,310.

Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $58.16/hr = $72,588/year (purchasing power: $83,531).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,980/year (purchasing power: $139,218).

CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$40.43/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$55.10/hr

2026 Current Est.

$58.16/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+51.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Jonesboro (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinarians in Jonesboro. Baseline $40.43/hr in 2025, projected to $61.40/hr by 2027.$35$43$51$58$662019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$40.43$42.03$42.51$43.73$50.44$39.81$55.10$58.16$61.40
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$40.43/hrActual
2020$42.03/hrActual
2021$42.51/hrActual
2022$43.73/hrActual
2023$50.44/hrActual
2024$39.81/hrActual
2025$55.10/hrActual
2026(current)$58.16/hrEstimated
2027$61.40/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Jonesboro grew 36.3% from $40.43/hr (2019) to $55.10/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.40/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Jonesboro

The earning potential for part-time veterinarians working in Jonesboro can be appealing despite lower hourly rates compared to full-time employment. A veterinarian committing to 24 hours a week can see a reliable income stream, though full-time status typically provides enhanced financial benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which may not always be available in part-time arrangements. For those opting for per-diem or locum tenens opportunities, the pay can rise significantly, with rates ranging from $90 to $250 per hour, especially in high-demand fields like surgery or emergency medicine. Different employer types in Jonesboro also lead to varying pay rates; for example, corporate veterinary practices often provide structured pay scales, while independent clinics may offer more flexibility. Negotiating these hourly wages can be crucial for veterinarians seeking either stability or a higher remuneration rate—benefits like health insurance should also be considered when weighing full-time versus per diem roles in the evolving job market shaped by corporate consolidation trends in the veterinary profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Jonesboro in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinarians in Jonesboro is $58.16/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.56% annual growth). Rates range from $33.74 at entry level (10th percentile) to $90.15 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 11.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinarians make in Jonesboro?

A part-time veterinarian working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Jonesboro earns approximately $6,049/month, or $72,588/year at the median hourly rate of $58.16. Many veterinarians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinarians in Jonesboro paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinarians in Jonesboro are paid hourly at a median rate of $58.16/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $120,980/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Jonesboro?

A full-time veterinarian working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Jonesboro earns approximately $120,980/year at the median hourly rate of $58.16. This is 11.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $187,508/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Jonesboro?

Part-time and per diem veterinarians in Jonesboro sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $90.15/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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 Jonesboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Jonesboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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