Veterinarian Salary in Benton, AR: $116,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Benton, AR earns a median $116,916/year (≈ $56.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $134,541 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the projected veterinarian salary in 2026 stands at $116,916, reflecting a notable gap compared to the national median of $137,334. This disparity illustrates the impact of rising corporate consolidation within veterinary practices, where corporate entities often set standardized pay rates that can differ significantly from independent practices. The salary range for veterinarians in Benton is broad, spanning from $67,812 at the 10th percentile to $181,220 at the 90th percentile, indicating various factors that influence earning potential. Estimates for these figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price parities, showcasing both local economic conditions and the unique dynamics of the veterinary field within the area.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,812 | $32.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,871 | $43.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,916 | $56.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,372 | $70.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,220 | $87.13 |
Median Salary Position
14.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,408 (2026 est.). At $116,916, the local median is 14.87% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Veterinarian Pay Compares
Benton median: $116,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $119,302 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -14.87% less |
Veterinarians in Benton, AR earn a median of $116,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $119,302.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton 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.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $116,916 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,541 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,268
2025 BLS Actual
$110,758
2026 Current Est.
$116,916
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,268 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,494 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,448 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,908 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,393 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,758 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $81,268 (2019) to $110,758 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,149 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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) | $67,812 – $89,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,871 – $116,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,916 – $146,372 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,372 – $181,220 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Benton
In Benton, the local job market consists of just five veterinarians, which hints at a relatively tight labor pool. The cost of living index in Benton is 86.9, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than the national average, the affordability of living can make these figures more attractive in terms of purchasing power. Corporate practices, which account for approximately one-quarter of the local market, tend to offer more competitive salaries, especially for recent graduates. Conversely, independent clinics might pay less but can offer unique benefits, such as practice ownership equity and opportunities for community engagement. Understanding this disparity is key; specialists with board certifications in surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care typically command higher pay. Utilizing strategies such as seeking employment with corporate chains or pursuing additional certifications can significantly enhance earning potential in this competitive environment in Benton, AR.
More salary data for Benton, 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 $110,758 for veterinariansin the Benton 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 Benton 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