Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Sierra Vista, AZ: $38,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Sierra Vista, AZ earns a median $38,782/year (≈ $18.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Sierra Vista's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.2), that paycheck buys what $43,457 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.0% below the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Sierra Vista, AZ, is projected to reach a median of $38,782, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49,986. This local pay indicates a challenging market where salaries range from $35,923 at the 10th percentile to $55,493 at the 90th. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, may influence this pay scale, often offering standardized wages across their locations. Nonetheless, Sierra Vista’s job market presents opportunities for those entering the field, especially given the backdrop of a veterinary workforce shortage that has led to increased compensation in many regions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,923 | $17.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,708 | $18.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,782 | $18.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,813 | $22.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,493 | $26.68 |
Median Salary Position
22.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sierra Vista
In Sierra Vista, AZ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,570 (2026 est.). At $38,782, the local median is 22.41% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sierra Vista: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Sierra Vista Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Sierra Vista median: $38,782/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sierra Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $46,725 | -17.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -22.41% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Sierra Vista, AZ earn a median of $38,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 17.00% below the Arizona state average of $46,725.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sierra Vista has a cost of living 10.76% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sierra Vista, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 89.243 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $38,782 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,457 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,403
2025 BLS Actual
$36,760
2026 Current Est.
$38,782
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sierra Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,915 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sierra Vista metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $27,403 (2019) to $36,760 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,915 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,512 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sierra Vista 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) | $35,923 – $38,708 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,708 – $38,782 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,782 – $47,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,813 – $55,493 |
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 Sierra Vista
Currently, there are about 30 veterinary technologists and technicians working in Sierra Vista, AZ, amidst a cost-of-living index of 89.243, which is below the national average. This means that while salaries may seem lower than other regions, the local cost of living can make it more manageable to live in this area. Notably, corporate veterinary hospitals tend to offer competitive salaries compared to general practice clinics. The broad disparity in pay can often be traced back to credentials; those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation can command higher wages, particularly in specialty settings. Strategies to maximize earning potential in this market include pursuing specialty certifications, gaining experience in advanced practice areas, and seeking employment at corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which may provide additional pay benefits and career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Sierra Vista, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Sierra Vista?
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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 $36,760 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Sierra Vista 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, 5-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