Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $22.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tempe, AZ runs $22.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,929 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,163 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $22.57, slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. Those working three days a week can expect to earn about $1,082 weekly, making a considerable difference in their financial planning, while per-diem roles offer flexibility that extends to billing rates of $25 to $40 an hour depending on experience and specialty. The hourly pay range in Tempe varies from $17.44 for entry-level positions to as high as $29.58 for the top 10% of earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities within this important and growing field.
About the Tempe 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) | $17.44 | $139.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Median (P50) | $22.57 | $180.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.17 | $217.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.58 | $236.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $22.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.57/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $46,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,080. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $902.66 | $3,912 | $46,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.59 | $2,347 | $28,163 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.06 | $1,565 | $18,775 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tempe) | $22.57 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $46,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $46,742.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.57/hr = $28,163/year (purchasing power: $28,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,938/year (purchasing power: $47,653).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tempe grew 34.1% from $15.95/hr (2019) to $21.39/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.81/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
Exploring the earning potential in Tempe, a veterinary technologist and technician working part-time (24 hours a week) could expect to take home around $28,787 annually versus a full-time counterpart earning significantly more. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in the area can lead to higher earnings per hour, especially for those with specialty credentials; for instance, VTS-credentialed technicians often receive between $35 to $55 per hour. The demand for veterinary staff in Tempe varies depending on the type of employer, with general practice clinics typically offering lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral hospitals, or pharmaceutical research facilities, where hourly wages can rise. Many in the profession face the benefits trade-off, weighing lower hourly rates that come with jobs offering health insurance against higher wages in roles lacking benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Tempe, discussing skill sets and specialized training can strengthen positions, thereby leading to better compensation in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tempe in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tempe?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tempe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tempe?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tempe?
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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 Tempe. 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 Tempe 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