VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Zoo Veterinarian Salary
in Phoenix, AZ

Provide medical care for exotic and wild animals in zoos and wildlife facilities. Median salary in Phoenix: $104K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$104K
per year
Take-home: $71K

Salary range in Phoenix

Entry level (25th)$77,000
Median (50th)$104,000
Senior (75th)$141,000
Top earner (90th)$186,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Phoenix, Arizona. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Phoenix

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

2% premium vs national median

Zoo Veterinarians in Phoenix earn approximately 2% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $2,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Phoenix's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Phoenix's cost-of-living index (100), the median Zoo Veterinarian salary buys the equivalent of $104,000 in a US-average-cost city. That's $2,000 more purchasing power than the national median β€” a meaningful real-wage advantage.

Primarily on-site role

Only 0% of Zoo Veterinarian positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Phoenix salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Phoenix

Median salary
$104K
annual
Take-home pay
$71K
after fed/state tax
COL index
100
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Phoenix Zoo Veterinarian to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $104K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Phoenix

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Zoo Veterinarian salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$87K$95K$103K$110K$118K201920212023202520272029
2026
$107K
projected
2027
$109K
projected
2028
$112K
projected
2029
$115K
projected
2030
$118K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$104,000+$0
2028 projected$104,000+$0
2029 projected$104,000+$0
2030 projected$104,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Zoo Veterinarian Salary in Phoenix, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Zoo Veterinarian salary in Phoenix, AZ is $104,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Phoenix–AZ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Zoo Veterinarian in Phoenix

Entry-level Zoo Veterinarians in Phoenix with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $77,000 and $104,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $104,000 to $141,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $141,000 to $186,000 or more.

Cost of living in Phoenix for Zoo Veterinarians

Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Phoenix are close to the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Zoo Veterinarian

DVM + zoo medicine residency; exotic animal experience. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Zoo Veterinarian salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Phoenix (current)$104K100
Tucson$94K90
Mesa$100K98
Chandler$102K105
Scottsdale$107K118
Glendale$97K95