Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $22.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tucson, AZ runs $22.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,018 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Tucson, Arizona, earn a median hourly pay of $22.45, which is slightly below the national average of $24.03. This hourly rate translates well for those pursuing part-time employment, such as working three days a week, where earnings can help maintain a reasonable income. The hourly wage offers flexibility in a variety of work environments, from general practice treatment facilities to specialty hospitals, veterinary teaching hospitals, zoos and aquariums, and pharmaceutical research labs. For these professionals, the hourly earnings range from $18.79 for entry-level positions (P10) to as high as $28.00 for experienced workers in specialized roles (P90), providing a clear path for advancement and skill development in this essential field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.79 | $150.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.53 | $156.22 |
| Median (P50) | $22.45 | $179.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.43 | $187.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.00 | $224.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $22.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $46,697 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,940. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.02 | $3,891 | $46,697 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $538.81 | $2,335 | $28,018 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.21 | $1,557 | $18,679 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tucson) | $22.45 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $46,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.59% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Arizona state average of $46,741.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.45/hr = $28,018/year (purchasing power: $28,916).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,697/year (purchasing power: $48,193).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+86.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tucson grew 67.4% from $12.71/hr (2019) to $21.28/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.69/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
The financial landscape for part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Tucson reveals considerable potential for earnings, particularly as these professionals can seek out per diem positions where they commonly bill rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. Those who achieve VTS credentials in specialties frequently enjoy higher pay, with rates soaring to between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, working in emergency or overnight care settings at understaffed hospitals often yields earners rates of $30-$50, showcasing the demand for skilled technicians. However, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of facility, with corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers often offering more attractive packages than general practice clinics. Even so, some may opt for jobs with lower hourly rates to benefit from health insurance and other perks. When negotiating pay, it's essential for potential hires to consider the overall compensation package, including benefits versus base pay, in order to optimize their financial outcomes in this growing sector.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tucson in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tucson?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tucson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tucson?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tucson?
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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 Tucson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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