Vet Tech salary

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

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

Phoenix, AZ
$48,941
$23.53/hr
Yuma, AZ
$47,088
$22.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZYuma, AZ
Median Salary$48,941$47,088
Hourly Rate$23.53$22.64
Entry Level (P10)$40,649$33,745
25th Percentile$48,277$39,834
75th Percentile$59,470$56,438
Top Earner (P90)$62,182$61,016
Total Employed2,76024
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($48,941) and Yuma ($47,088) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.PhoenixYumaMedian Salary$48,941$47,088Entry Level (P10)$40,649$33,745Top Earner (P90)$62,182$61,016US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Phoenix and Yuma is $1,853 (3.94%). 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,Yuma spans $27,271. Yuma 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
Yuma
P10 (Entry)$33,745
P25$39,834
Median$47,088
P75$56,438
P90 (Top)$61,016

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Yuma ($47,805 effective) pays 0.92% more than Phoenix ($47,370 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $48,941
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $47,370
Yuma
Nominal: $47,088
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $47,805

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 Yuma if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,805)
  • 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 53.5% growth in Yuma over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+27.2%

$36,470 (2019) → $46,390 (2025)

Yuma, AZ

+53.5%

$29,070 (2019) → $44,633 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Phoenix has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,941/year, compared to Yuma at $47,088/year — a difference of $1,853 (3.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Yuma?

Phoenix veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.53/hr while Yuma hygienists earn $22.64/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Yuma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $47,370, Yuma = $47,805), job availability (2,760 vs 24 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,649 in Phoenix and $33,745 in Yuma. 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