Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Arizona: $48,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arizona's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $48,292/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Arizona sits at BEA RPP 98.5 (1% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $49,027 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Chandler ($46,715), Scottsdale ($46,680), Glendale ($46,516).
In Arizona, the projected average median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $48,293, which is approximately 3.4% lower than the national median of $49,986. The highest-paying city in the state is Chandler, where professionals can expect to earn $49,284, while the lowest is Sierra Vista at $38,782, reflecting a significant salary gap of $10,502. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and local economic conditions. The total employment for this occupation in Arizona reaches 4,098, with strong growth projected at an annual CAGR of 5.50%. The demand for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arizona is influenced by the state's diverse population of pets and the increasing emphasis on pet healthcare. It's essential to note that state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws can vary, impacting salary and job responsibilities. The overall job market for this field in Arizona is positive, with a stable outlook driven by continual advancements in veterinary medicine and an increasing number of pet owners.
Arizona Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arizona: $33,368 (lowest entry-level) to $67,846 (highest top earner)
Arizona vs National Average
Arizona veterinary technologists and technicians earn 3.39% less than the national median ($-1,694/year difference).
Arizona Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Arizona range from $39,647 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $61,870 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $48,292. The Arizona median is $1,694 below the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $23.22/hr. Approximately 4,098 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,321
2025 BLS Actual
$45,775
2026 Current Est.
$48,292
2019–2027 Growth
+48.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arizona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,321 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,948 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arizona metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 33.4% from $34,321 (2019) to $45,775 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,948 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,627 (48.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arizona 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arizona
Lowest Paying Cities in Arizona
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sierra Vista | $38,782 |
| Sedona | $43,869 |
| Nogales | $44,021 |
| Oro Valley | $44,297 |
| Apache Junction | $45,056 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arizona
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arizona cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Havasu City | $47,454 | 94.098 | $50,430 |
| Chandler | $49,284 | 98.5 | $50,035 |
| Scottsdale | $49,247 | 98.5 | $49,997 |
| Glendale | $49,074 | 98.5 | $49,821 |
| Mesa | $48,704 | 98.5 | $49,446 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,647 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $48,292 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $61,870 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arizona metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Arizona
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chandler | $49,284 |
| 2 | Scottsdale | $49,247 |
| 3 | Glendale | $49,074 |
| 4 | Phoenix | $48,941 |
| 5 | Mesa | $48,704 |
| 6 | Gilbert | $47,916 |
| 7 | Peoria | $47,759 |
| 8 | Lake Havasu City | $47,454 |
| 9 | Maricopa | $47,368 |
| 10 | Kingman | $47,316 |
| 11 | Avondale | $47,299 |
| 12 | Marana | $47,121 |
| 13 | Yuma | $47,088 |
| 14 | San Tan Valley | $46,983 |
| 15 | Tempe | $46,929 |
| 16 | Prescott Valley | $46,768 |
| 17 | Tucson | $46,694 |
| 18 | Surprise | $46,630 |
| 19 | Goodyear | $46,558 |
| 20 | Prescott | $46,519 |
| 21 | Flagstaff | $46,378 |
| 22 | Queen Creek | $46,362 |
| 23 | Buckeye | $45,929 |
| 24 | Florence | $45,617 |
| 25 | Casa Grande | $45,518 |
| 26 | Bullhead City | $45,513 |
| 27 | El Mirage | $45,309 |
| 28 | Sahuarita | $45,114 |
| 29 | Apache Junction | $45,056 |
| 30 | Oro Valley | $44,297 |
| 31 | Nogales | $44,021 |
| 32 | Sedona | $43,869 |
| 33 | Sierra Vista | $38,782 |
More Arizona Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Arizona cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Compare Cities in Arizona
View all comparisons →Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Arizona in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arizona?
How does Arizona veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Arizona?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Arizona?
Which Arizona city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Arizona. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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