Vet Tech salary

Phoenix vs San Tan Valley: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Phoenix, AZ
$48,941
$23.53/hr
San Tan Valley, AZ
$46,983
$22.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSan Tan Valley, AZ
Median Salary$48,941$46,983
Hourly Rate$23.53$22.59
Entry Level (P10)$40,649$34,873
25th Percentile$48,277$39,619
75th Percentile$59,470$56,259
Top Earner (P90)$62,182$60,550
Total Employed2,76012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($48,941) and San Tan Valley ($46,983) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.PhoenixSan Tan ValleyMedian Salary$48,941$46,983Entry Level (P10)$40,649$34,873Top Earner (P90)$62,182$60,550US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Phoenix and San Tan Valley is $1,958 (4.17%). 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 Phoenix spans $21,533,San Tan Valley spans $25,677. San Tan Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$40,649
P25$48,277
Median$48,941
P75$59,470
P90 (Top)$62,182
San Tan Valley
P10 (Entry)$34,873
P25$39,619
Median$46,983
P75$56,259
P90 (Top)$60,550

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Tan Valley ($47,698 effective) pays 0.69% more than Phoenix ($47,370 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $48,941
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $47,370
San Tan Valley
Nominal: $46,983
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $47,698

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

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

Choose San Tan Valley if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,698)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Phoenix grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in San Tan Valley over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+27.2%

$36,470 (2019) → $46,390 (2025)

San Tan Valley, AZ

+12.4%

$39,613 (2024) → $44,534 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Phoenix or San Tan Valley?

Phoenix has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,941/year, compared to San Tan Valley at $46,983/year — a difference of $1,958 (4.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and San Tan Valley?

Phoenix veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.53/hr while San Tan Valley hygienists earn $22.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to San Tan Valley as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and San Tan Valley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $47,370, San Tan Valley = $47,698), job availability (2,760 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Phoenix vs San Tan Valley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,649 in Phoenix and $34,873 in San Tan Valley. 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