Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $48,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $48,941/year (≈ $23.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $47,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $48,941, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Phoenix represents a competitive option within the industry, albeit slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range extends from $40,649 at the 10th percentile to a robust $62,182 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various factors such as employment type and individual credentials. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and highlights the distinction between specialty hospitals and general practice settings, with the former typically offering higher pay. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals continues to grow, those pursuing careers in Phoenix will find opportunities for advancement and increased compensation, particularly in specialized fields.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,649 | $19.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,277 | $23.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,941 | $23.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,182 | $29.90 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,533 (2026 est.). At $48,941, the local median is 2.09% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phoenix Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $48,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $46,744 | +4.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.09% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $48,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.70% above the Arizona state average of $46,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,941 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,370 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,470
2025 BLS Actual
$46,390
2026 Current Est.
$48,941
2019–2027 Growth
+41.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 27.2% from $36,470 (2019) to $46,390 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,163 (41.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $40,649 – $48,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,277 – $48,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,941 – $59,470 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,470 – $62,182 |
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 Phoenix
Employment for veterinary technologists and technicians in Phoenix is thriving, with approximately 2,760 individuals currently in this role. Notably, the cost-of-living index stands at 103.316, indicating that living expenses in the area are slightly above the national average, which can influence take-home pay. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer the highest wages, especially for those who hold VTS specialty credentials or have experience in emergency or specialty care. The variation in pay is driven by factors such as the demand for specific skills, the type of setting, and additional roles like lead or mentor positions. To maximize earning potential in Phoenix, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing specialized training and credentials, remaining open to roles in specialty facilities, and seeking opportunities for professional growth and leadership within their current workplaces.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Phoenix?
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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 $46,390 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Phoenix 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
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