Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in El Mirage, AZ: $21.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in El Mirage, AZ runs $21.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,309 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against El Mirage's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Mirage, AZ, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.79. This figure falls below the national median hourly pay of $24.03, reflecting local market conditions. For individuals working part-time, such as those in general practice or specialized settings like ICU wards at specialty hospitals, this rate translates to around $1,500 monthly for a 3-day workweek, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. The hourly pay range varies significantly, with new entrants earning approximately $16.09 and experienced professionals reaching up to $28.72 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, serve as a benchmark for assessing the job's earning potential in various environments, including university teaching hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the El Mirage 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) | $16.09 | $128.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.73 |
| Median (P50) | $21.79 | $174.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.53 | $212.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.72 | $229.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Mirage
Based on $21.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.79/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Mirage, AZ can expect to earn approximately $45,314 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,143. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in El Mirage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Mirage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $871.43 | $3,776 | $45,314 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $522.86 | $2,266 | $27,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.57 | $1,510 | $18,126 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (El Mirage) | $21.79 |
| 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 El Mirage, AZ earn a median of $45,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.36% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Arizona state average of $46,710.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.79/hr = $27,189/year (purchasing power: $27,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,314/year (purchasing power: $46,004).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in El Mirage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in El Mirage grew 34.1% from $15.39/hr (2019) to $20.65/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.98/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 El Mirage 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 El Mirage
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in El Mirage can lead to a reasonable income over the course of a year—approximately $36,000 for those working 24 hours weekly, compared to full-time positions that command more income due to increased hours. Per-diem workers, who often operate through agencies, enjoy flexible schedules and can charge rates between $25 to $40 per hour, with those holding specialty credentials like VTS potentially earning $35 to $55 per hour. Employers, ranging from corporate chain hospitals to specialized referral centers, offer varying hourly rates, often reflecting differences in benefits and job responsibilities. Many technologists trade hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without such coverage. When negotiating, emphasize specialized skills and be aware of the local market rates to maximize your compensation in El Mirage.
More salary data for El Mirage, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in El Mirage in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in El Mirage?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in El Mirage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in El Mirage?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in El Mirage?
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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 El Mirage. 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 El Mirage 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