Veterinarians who want to start their own practice will need at least a year of training and experience. A veterinarian salary in Arkansas is based on factors such as work environment, education level and years of experience, among others.
According to the BLS, Arkansas veterinarians can earn a median salary of $75,900 per year. This is 90% more than the median national salary for this occupation. Veterinarian Salary In Arkansas Industry Profile Veterinarians work on the same basic premise as doctors for people: wiping out bad guys (pets get infections just like people), guarding against potential health issues, and helping patients heal. The difference: Veterinarians work with animals.
Veterinarian Salary In Arkansas Overview
Are you a veterinarian looking for the best salary in Arkansas? You’re in the right place. We’ve compiled all the information on how much veterinarians make in Arkansas, and what it takes to become a veterinarian in the state.
We’ll start with the salary first: The average starting salary for a veterinarian in Arkansas is $60,000. After five years of experience, that number jumps up to $65,000 per year. These numbers are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect what veterinarians earn as part of their annual salary.
To become a veterinarian in Arkansas, you must first complete an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university. After that, you can apply to one of several veterinary schools in Arkansas. There are three schools: University of Arkansas College of Veterinary Medicine (UACVM), Ouachita Baptist University School of Veterinary Medicine (OBUSVM), and University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM).
After completing your degree program and graduating from one of these schools, you’ll be eligible for licensure by taking an exam administered by either UACVM or UTCVM. You’ll also need to pass an additional exam administered by American.
Veterinarian Job Duties
Anyone who has taken their pet to a veterinarian probably has a good idea of some of the tasks they do on the job. What do veterinarians do on a daily basis? Here are some common duties:
- Examine animals to diagnose their health problems
- Treat and dress wounds
- Perform surgery on animals
- Test for and vaccinate against diseases
- Operate medical equipment, such as x-ray machines
- Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments
- Prescribe medication
- Euthanize animals
Some veterinarians specialize in a certain area. For example, some work with horses, while others work with farmers by assisting with their cattle and livestock.
Veterinarian Salary in Arkansas
How much does a Veterinarian make in Arkansas? The average Veterinarian salary in Arkansas is $94,379 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $74,124 and $119,757. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Veterinarian Education Requirements
How do you become a veterinarian? What are the education requirements? Veterinarians must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. A veterinary medicine program generally takes 4 years to complete and includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical components.
Although not required, most applicants to veterinary school have a bachelor’s degree, and this is often recommended. What major should you choose for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree if you plan to go to veterinary school? That’s a great question.
Admission to veterinary programs is competitive, and up to half of all applicants are rejected. It is also described as very difficult. Students will have to learn many different species of animals, drugs, medical procedures, and more.
Students typically spend the final year of the 4-year program doing clinical rotations in a veterinary medical center or hospital.
Veterinarians must be licensed in order to practice in the United States. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all states require prospective veterinarians to complete an accredited veterinary program and to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. Veterinarians working for the state or federal government may not be required to have a state license, because each agency has different requirements.
Most states not only require the national exam but also have a state exam that covers state laws and regulations.
The American Veterinary Medical Association offers certification in 40 specialties, such as surgery, microbiology, and internal medicine. Although certification is not required for veterinarians, it can show exceptional skill and expertise in a particular field. To sit for a specialty certification exam, veterinarians must have a certain number of years of experience in the field, complete additional education, and complete a residency program, typically lasting 3 to 4 years. Requirements vary by specialty.
Arkansas Veterinarian Wages by Percentile
| Percentile | Hourly | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| 90th | $70.39 | $146,420 |
| 75th | $57.90 | $120,440 |
| 50th | $45.84 | $95,350 |
| 25th | $32.07 | $66,700 |
| 10th | $26.68 | $55,490 |
Arkansas Veterinarians Wages by Metro Area
- Data is for the entire metro area, not just the city
| Metro Area | Hourly | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $59.90 | $124,590 |
| Fort Smith | $34.87 | $72,530 |
| Little Rock | $44.20 | $91,940 |
Arkansas Veterinarian Wages by Year
| Year | Hourly | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.14 | $98,050 |
| 2018 | $39.45 | $82,060 |
| 2017 | $33.23 | $69,130 |
| 2016 | $33.48 | $69,640 |
| 2015 | $40.74 | $84,730 |
| 2014 | $43.46 | $90,390 |
| 2013 | $42.10 | $87,580 |
| 2012 | $39.27 | $81,680 |
| 2011 | $36.27 | $75,450 |
