Healthcare Arizona (AZ) Rank #22 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Arizona

The median veterinarian salary in Arizona is $100,162 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$100,162
vs National
$-3,098
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for veterinarian pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $100,162 per year, veterinarians in Arizona earn $3,098 less than the national median of $103,260.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning veterinarian salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $63,244, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $168,974 — a $105,730 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $115,651.

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arizona and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $65,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,350 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,960
$-2,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,850
$-3,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,350
$-4,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $63,244
25th Percentile $77,988
Median (50th) $100,162
75th Percentile $130,368
90th Percentile $168,974

Veterinarian Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Arizona

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Arizona has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Arizona

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arizona's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Veterinarians who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $50,188 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Arizona

How much does a Veterinarian make in Arizona? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Arizona is $100,162 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $63,244 (10th percentile) to $168,974 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,162, a veterinarian in Arizona earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $65,960, while senior professionals earn $150,350.
How does Arizona compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Arizona's median of $100,162 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($102,227) and Pennsylvania ($102,227).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Arizona earns approximately $65,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $101,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $150,350.
What city in Arizona pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for veterinarians, with a median salary of $115,651. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.