Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $21.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $21.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Apache Junction, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $21.66 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This hourly figure is particularly significant for part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, as it offers a tangible frame of reference for earnings in various veterinary settings, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $17.50, while experienced professionals may see rates nearing $26.99. Given the current job market and the rising demand for veterinary services, these hourly rates reflect the broader landscape of pay in a growing field influenced by both location and employer type in Apache Junction, AZ.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.50 | $140.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.46 | $147.70 |
| Median (P50) | $21.66 | $173.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.43 | $203.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.99 | $215.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $21.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.66/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $45,051 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,991. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $866.37 | $3,754 | $45,051 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.82 | $2,253 | $27,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.55 | $1,502 | $18,020 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Apache Junction) | $21.66 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $45,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.86% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $46,738.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.66/hr = $27,031/year (purchasing power: $27,442).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,051/year (purchasing power: $45,737).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apache Junction grew 34.1% from $15.30/hr (2019) to $20.53/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.85/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apache Junction metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Apache Junction
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working in Apache Junction, opting for a 24-hour workweek allows for a practical income that culminates in a significantly different annual earnings trajectory compared to full-time colleagues. Those in per-diem roles often find themselves billing between $25 and $40 per hour, which can further increase for specialty technicians with VTS credentials, reaching up to $55 per hour in some cases. Employers in the area—ranging from corporate chains like VCA to independent clinics—may exhibit variability in pay scales. Some professionals may accept lower hourly wages for positions that offer comprehensive benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly earnings without the safety net of benefits. For those considering new roles, effective negotiation skills will be paramount, especially in an evolving job market where hourly rates are becoming a focal point of employment discussions.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apache Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Apache Junction?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Apache Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Apache Junction?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Apache Junction?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Apache Junction. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apache Junction is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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