Veterinarian Salary in Van Buren, AR: $110,778 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Van Buren, AR earns a median $110,778/year (≈ $53.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Van Buren's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $127,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median salary for veterinarians in Van Buren, Arkansas, is projected at $110,778. This figure reflects a considerable difference when compared to the national median of $137,334, showcasing a salary decrease of approximately 19.34%. Veterinarians in Van Buren can expect to earn within a range from $69,742 for the lower 10th percentile to about $171,706 for those in the upper 90th percentile. These local estimates are derived from state-level data provided by the BLS and take into account regional economic conditions. As specialized veterinary services become increasingly vital, the job market in Van Buren is gradually evolving, presenting opportunities for those with advanced board certifications in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency and critical care.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,742 | $33.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,274 | $43.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,778 | $53.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,073 | $67.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,706 | $82.55 |
Median Salary Position
19.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Van Buren
In Van Buren, AR, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,964 (2026 est.). At $110,778, the local median is 19.34% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Van Buren: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Van Buren Veterinarian Pay Compares
Van Buren median: $110,778/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Van Buren Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $119,373 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -19.34% less |
Veterinarians in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $110,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.34% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $119,373.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Van Buren has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Van Buren, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $110,778 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $127,478 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,001
2025 BLS Actual
$104,943
2026 Current Est.
$110,778
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,778 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,937 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Van Buren metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $77,001 (2019) to $104,943 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,937 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,936 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,742 – $90,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,274 – $110,778 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,778 – $140,073 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,073 – $171,706 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Van Buren
The job market for veterinarians in Van Buren is modestly populated, with only five employed in the area. This limited workforce, combined with a cost-of-living index of 86.9, results in a unique situation where take-home pay can have a greater purchasing power compared to more urban settings. In terms of compensation potential, large animal and mixed practice veterinarians, as well as those in corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl, may find better pay structures than their independent practice counterparts. The disparity in earnings often arises from factors such as specialty certification, production-based compensation models, and the region’s shifting corporate consolidation trends. Emerging veterinarians should also consider the substantial signing bonuses offered in shortage areas, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, which can significantly impact initial earnings. To maximize financial potential in this local market, cultivating specialized skills and exploring roles in well-established corporate practices can provide substantial advantages.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $104,943 for veterinariansin the Van Buren metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Van Buren is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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