Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Mesa, AZ: $23.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Mesa, AZ runs $23.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,216 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesa, Arizona, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is set at a median of $23.41, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the types of roles these professionals often fill, particularly in environments like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational facilities. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day weekly schedule, earning this median translates to considerable take-home pay while allowing for flexibility. Entry-level positions start at about $17.61 per hour, while top earners can see rates up to $31.58. The hourly rates in Mesa illustrate the employment landscape in the veterinary field, potentially making these positions attractive for both new entrants and seasoned technicians looking for a better work-life balance.
About the Mesa 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) | $17.61 | $140.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.21 | $153.69 |
| Median (P50) | $23.41 | $187.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.66 | $229.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.58 | $252.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesa
Based on $23.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $48,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,093. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.42 | $4,058 | $48,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.85 | $2,435 | $29,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.57 | $1,623 | $19,477 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Mesa) | $23.41 |
| 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 Mesa, AZ earn a median of $48,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.56% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% above the Arizona state average of $46,741.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.41/hr = $29,216/year (purchasing power: $29,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,694/year (purchasing power: $49,435).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesa grew 34.1% from $16.54/hr (2019) to $22.19/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.70/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 Mesa 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 Mesa
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week would yield approximately $30,000 annually, significantly less than full-time salaries but still a viable option for many. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Mesa typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, appealing for professionals seeking flexibility without sacrificing income. Notably, specialty veterinary technicians with credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly when providing evening or weekend coverage in high-demand emergency scenarios. Employment across various employer types in Mesa—ranging from corporate chains like VCA to university teaching hospitals—often determines pay distribution. Most full-time roles come with benefits, leading to a potential trade-off when compared to higher hourly wages without supplementary offerings. As negotiations occur, it’s wise to consider not only the pay rate but also the overall compensation package, including health insurance and retirement plans, particularly in a field facing a talent shortage.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Mesa?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Mesa?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Mesa?
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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 Mesa. 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 Mesa 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