Vet Tech salary

El Mirage vs Phoenix: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between El Mirage, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

El Mirage, AZ
$45,309
$21.79/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$48,941
$23.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEl Mirage, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$45,309$48,941
Hourly Rate$21.79$23.53
Entry Level (P10)$33,474$40,649
25th Percentile$38,918$48,277
75th Percentile$55,186$59,470
Top Earner (P90)$59,741$62,182
Total Employed82,760
Side-by-side bar chart comparing El Mirage ($45,309) and Phoenix ($48,941) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.El MiragePhoenixMedian Salary$45,309$48,941Entry Level (P10)$33,474$40,649Top Earner (P90)$59,741$62,182US Median $49,986

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Mirage.

The salary gap between El Mirage and Phoenix is $3,632 (8.02%). Phoenix's median is -2.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Mirage spans $26,267,Phoenix spans $21,533. El Mirage has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

El Mirage
P10 (Entry)$33,474
P25$38,918
Median$45,309
P75$55,186
P90 (Top)$59,741
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$40,649
P25$48,277
Median$48,941
P75$59,470
P90 (Top)$62,182

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($47,370 effective) pays 2.98% more than El Mirage ($45,999 effective).

El Mirage
Nominal: $45,309
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $45,999
Phoenix
Nominal: $48,941
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $47,370

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose El Mirage if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,941/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,182)
  • Larger job market (2,760 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,370)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in El Mirage grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

El Mirage, AZ

+12.4%

$38,201 (2024) → $42,947 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+27.2%

$36,470 (2019) → $46,390 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: El Mirage or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,941/year, compared to El Mirage at $45,309/year — a difference of $3,632 (8.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between El Mirage and Phoenix?

El Mirage veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.79/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $23.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from El Mirage to Phoenix as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing El Mirage and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: El Mirage = $45,999, Phoenix = $47,370), job availability (8 vs 2,760 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in El Mirage vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,474 in El Mirage and $40,649 in Phoenix. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov