Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $45,929 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Buckeye, AZ earns a median $45,929/year (≈ $22.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Buckeye's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $46,628 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Buckeye, Arizona, is projected at $45,929, presenting a more modest pay scale compared to the national median of $49,986. Salaries will vary significantly, with a range from $36,089 at the 10th percentile to $61,808 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Given that Buckeye is part of a market influenced by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, potential job seekers can expect varying compensation levels based on their employing firms and specialties. The competition for qualified technicians in this regional market may also affect salary structures, as demand continues to rise alongside the need for expert care in veterinary settings.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,089 | $17.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,479 | $18.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,929 | $22.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,674 | $26.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,808 | $29.72 |
Median Salary Position
8.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
In Buckeye, AZ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,719 (2026 est.). At $45,929, the local median is 8.12% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buckeye: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buckeye Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Buckeye median: $45,929/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buckeye Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $46,724 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -8.12% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Buckeye, AZ earn a median of $45,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Arizona state average of $46,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buckeye has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buckeye, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,929 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,628 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,454
2025 BLS Actual
$43,535
2026 Current Est.
$45,929
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Buckeye (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,317 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,535 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,929 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,456 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buckeye metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,454 (2019) to $43,535 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,456 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,002 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,089 – $38,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,479 – $45,929 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,929 – $54,674 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,674 – $61,808 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Buckeye
Currently, Buckeye has a workforce of 19 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, employees can enjoy a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average, which impacts their overall purchasing power. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals, particularly VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer the highest salaries, largely due to their structured pay scales and benefits. In contrast, general practice clinics or specialty hospitals may offer varied compensation based on the demand for specific credentialing, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) in fields like emergency care and anesthesia, where pay can significantly exceed general practice rates. To maximize earning potential, professionals in Buckeye should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment at facilities that emphasize growth and specialty care, as those roles often come with better compensation packages and additional benefits.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Buckeye, AZ in 2026?
Is Buckeye, AZ a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Buckeye?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Buckeye?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Buckeye?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,535 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Buckeye metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buckeye 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