Vet Tech salary

Phoenix vs Scottsdale: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Phoenix, AZ
$48,941
$23.53/hr
Scottsdale, AZ
$49,247
$23.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZScottsdale, AZ
Median Salary$48,941$49,247
Hourly Rate$23.53$23.67
Entry Level (P10)$40,649$35,383
25th Percentile$48,277$39,134
75th Percentile$59,470$61,913
Top Earner (P90)$62,182$67,559
Total Employed2,76044
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($48,941) and Scottsdale ($49,247) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.PhoenixScottsdaleMedian Salary$48,941$49,247Entry Level (P10)$40,649$35,383Top Earner (P90)$62,182$67,559US Median $49,986

Verdict

Scottsdale, AZ offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Scottsdale is $306 (0.63%). Scottsdale's median is -1.48% 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,Scottsdale spans $32,176. Scottsdale 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
Scottsdale
P10 (Entry)$35,383
P25$39,134
Median$49,247
P75$61,913
P90 (Top)$67,559

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Scottsdale ($49,997 effective) pays 5.55% more than Phoenix ($47,370 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $48,941
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $47,370
Scottsdale
Nominal: $49,247
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $49,997

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Larger job market (2,760 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Scottsdale if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,247/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,559)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,997)
  • 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 Scottsdale over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+27.2%

$36,470 (2019) → $46,390 (2025)

Scottsdale, AZ

+12.4%

$41,522 (2024) → $46,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Scottsdale has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,247/year, compared to Phoenix at $48,941/year — a difference of $306 (0.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Scottsdale?

Phoenix veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.53/hr while Scottsdale hygienists earn $23.67/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Scottsdale. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $47,370, Scottsdale = $49,997), job availability (2,760 vs 44 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,649 in Phoenix and $35,383 in Scottsdale. 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