Veterinarian Salary in Arkansas
Based on 540+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$107,710
$51.78/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
-13.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $153K
540 employed in Arkansas
The median veterinarian salary in Arkansas is $107,710 per year, with approximately 540 professionals employed throughout the state. This salary falls 14% below the national average, ranging from $38,870 for entry-level positions to $153,370 for experienced practitioners. Understanding the current compensation landscape can help both job seekers and employers make informed decisions about career opportunities in Arkansas's veterinary field.
Several factors influence veterinarian salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, type of practice, and geographic location within the state. Specialization in areas like surgery or emergency medicine typically commands higher pay than general practice. Additionally, rural versus urban settings, business ownership, and the specific employer—whether a private clinic, animal hospital, or research facility—all play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,870 |
| 25th percentile | $97,930 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $107,710 |
| 75th percentile | $122,140 |
| 90th percentile | $153,370 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $90,880 |
| 2023 | $97,520 |
| 2024 | $100,820 |
| 2025 | $107,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $114,173 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $90,880 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $97,520 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $100,820 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $107,710 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $114,173 | $132,441 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,930 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $107,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,370 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Veterinarian ($107,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +136.7% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +116.4% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +108.2% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +100.4% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +66.1% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +49.0% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +26.3% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +16.7% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +15.8% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +15.6% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +10.0% | $56.94/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AR | $106,360 | -1.3% | $51.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Arkansas is $107,710 per year, or approximately $52 per hour. This is 13.8% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for vets in Arkansas?
- Veterinarian salaries in Arkansas range from a low of $38,870 to a high of $153,370 per year, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many veterinarians are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 540 veterinarians currently employed in Arkansas according to the latest employment data.
Is the Arkansas veterinarian salary below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas veterinarians earn 13.8% less than the national average, with a median salary of $107,710 compared to higher national figures.