VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Veterinarian Salary
in Tempe, AZ

Diagnose and treat medical conditions in animals, perform surgeries, and advise pet owners. Median salary in Tempe: $125K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$125K
per year
Take-home: $85K

Salary range in Tempe

Entry level (25th)$92,000
Median (50th)$125,000
Senior (75th)$172,000
Top earner (90th)$229,000
Data freshness

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

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What the numbers say for Tempe

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

4% premium vs national median

Veterinarians in Tempe earn approximately 4% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $5,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Tempe's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Tempe's cost-of-living index (108), the median Veterinarian salary buys the equivalent of $115,741 in a US-average-cost city. That's $4,259 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of Veterinarian positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Tempe 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 Tempe

Median salary
$125K
annual
Take-home pay
$85K
after fed/state tax
COL index
108
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Tempe Veterinarian to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $125K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Tempe

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

HistoricalProjected
Veterinarian salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$105K$114K$123K$132K$141K201920212023202520272029
2026
$128K
projected
2027
$131K
projected
2028
$135K
projected
2029
$138K
projected
2030
$141K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$125,000+$0
2028 projected$125,000+$0
2029 projected$125,000+$0
2030 projected$125,000+$0

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

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Veterinarian Salary in Tempe, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Veterinarian salary in Tempe, AZ is $125,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Tempe–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 Veterinarian in Tempe

Entry-level Veterinarians in Tempe with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $92,000 and $125,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $125,000 to $172,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $172,000 to $229,000 or more.

Cost of living in Tempe for Veterinarians

Tempe has a cost of living index of 108 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Tempe are close to the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Veterinarian

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM); state license. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Veterinarian salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Tempe (current)$125K108
Phoenix$122K100
Tucson$110K90
Mesa$118K98
Chandler$120K105
Scottsdale$126K118