Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Tempe, AZ: $46,929 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Tempe, AZ earns a median $46,929/year (≈ $22.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $47,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, the projected median compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $46,929 for 2026. When considering the broader salary range, earnings can start as low as $36,264 and extend up to $61,520, reflecting a pay gradient influenced by the choice between working in specialty hospitals versus general practice settings. The local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate a competitive market for these professionals, though the median is slightly below the national figure of $49,986. The distinction in salaries can be significant, with specialty roles often commanding higher wages, thus attracting those pursuing further education and credentials to maximize their earning potential in a city that has demonstrated a resilience in job openings despite national trends.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,264 | $17.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,014 | $18.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,929 | $22.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,506 | $27.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,520 | $29.58 |
Median Salary Position
6.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,256 (2026 est.). At $46,929, the local median is 6.12% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tempe Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Tempe median: $46,929/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $46,742 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.12% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $46,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $46,742.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,929 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,644 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,160
2025 BLS Actual
$44,482
2026 Current Est.
$46,929
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,065 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,929 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,510 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,160 (2019) to $44,482 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,510 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,350 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $36,264 – $39,014 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,014 – $46,929 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,929 – $56,506 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,506 – $61,520 |
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 Tempe
With 43 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Tempe, the local job market remains robust, especially considering the cost of living index of 98.5, which suggests that living expenses are slightly lower than the national average. Employers able to offer the best pay typically include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and university teaching hospitals, each presenting pay scales that can vary considerably based on credentials and experience. Factors driving wages include the VTS specialty credential, the tiered pay scales of corporate chains, and the ongoing demand for technicians at emergency clinics, where shift differentials can further enhance overall compensation. For those aiming to improve their financial standing, pursuing certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in disciplines like emergency care or anesthesia can be a strategic move in maximizing veterinary technologist and technician pay in Tempe, AZ.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Tempe?
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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 $44,482 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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