Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Surprise, AZ: $46,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Surprise, AZ earns a median $46,630/year (≈ $22.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $47,340 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Surprise, Arizona, can expect a median annual salary of $46,630, which falls below the national average of $49,986. The salary range in Surprise spans from $35,570 at the 10th percentile to $63,549 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the profession. This variation often correlates with the type of employment setting, as specialty hospitals tend to offer higher compensation compared to general practice clinics. As these roles increasingly demand specialized skills and certifications, understanding the pay structure is critical for prospective veterinary technologists and technicians navigating Surprise's veterinary job market.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,416 | $18.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,630 | $22.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,584 | $27.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,549 | $30.55 |
Median Salary Position
6.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,979 (2026 est.). At $46,630, the local median is 6.71% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Surprise median: $46,630/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $46,723 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.71% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $46,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.71% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $46,723.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise 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.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,630 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,340 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,949
2025 BLS Actual
$44,199
2026 Current Est.
$46,630
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,949 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,315 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,195 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,949 (2019) to $44,199 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,195 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,246 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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) | $35,570 – $38,416 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,416 – $46,630 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,630 – $57,584 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,584 – $63,549 |
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 Surprise
In Surprise, the employment landscape currently includes 31 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a targeted but growing job market. The cost of living index of 98.5 suggests that residents enjoy a slightly lower-than-average cost of living, allowing for potentially greater purchasing power relative to their earnings. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl are known to offer competitive pay scales, while specialty referral hospitals often lead in compensation, particularly for those with VTS credentials in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. Factors contributing to salary disparities include the demand for specialized skills, corporate pay structures, and opportunities for advancement into lead positions or mentoring roles. To maximize earnings in this regulatory environment, aspiring veterinary technicians should consider obtaining specialty certifications, staying informed about corporate consolidation trends, and seeking positions in high-need areas such as emergency care or surgical units.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Surprise?
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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 $44,199 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Surprise 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 Surprise 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