VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Veterinary Technician Salary
in Tempe, AZ

Assist veterinarians with procedures, administer medications, and care for animals. Median salary in Tempe: $45K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$45K
per year
Take-home: $31K

Salary range in Tempe

Entry level (25th)$35,000
Median (50th)$45,000
Senior (75th)$58,000
Top earner (90th)$73,000
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.

7% premium vs national median

Veterinary Technicians in Tempe earn approximately 7% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $3,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Tempe's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Strong 6.5% annual wage growth

This role's national salaries are growing at 6.5% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Tempe median reaches $61,654 in five years.

Rent eats 67% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Tempe ($1,700/mo) consumes approximately 67% of an after-tax median Veterinary Technician salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($58K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Tempe

Median salary
$45K
annual
Take-home pay
$31K
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
+6.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Tempe Veterinary Technician to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $45K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Tempe

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

HistoricalProjected
Veterinary Technician salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$38K$41K$45K$48K$51K201920212023202520272029
2026
$46K
projected
2027
$47K
projected
2028
$48K
projected
2029
$50K
projected
2030
$51K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$45,000+$0
2028 projected$45,000+$0
2029 projected$45,000+$0
2030 projected$45,000+$0

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

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Veterinary Technician Salary in Tempe, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Veterinary Technician salary in Tempe, AZ is $45,000 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 Veterinary Technician in Tempe

Entry-level Veterinary Technicians in Tempe with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $45,000 to $58,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $58,000 to $73,000 or more.

Cost of living in Tempe for Veterinary Technicians

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 Veterinary Technician

Associate's in Veterinary Technology; VTNE certification. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Veterinary Technician salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Tempe (current)$45K108
Phoenix$43K100
Tucson$39K90
Mesa$41K98
Chandler$42K105
Scottsdale$44K118