Buckeye vs Mesa: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Buckeye, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buckeye, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,952 | $169,192▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.92 | $81.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,803 | $98,131▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,886 | $131,976▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,258 | $216,565▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,075 | $262,247▲ |
| Total Employed | 19 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buckeye.
The salary gap between Buckeye and Mesa is $36,240 (27.26%). Mesa's median is +23.20% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buckeye spans $126,272,Mesa spans $164,116. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($171,769 effective) pays 27.26% more than Buckeye ($134,977 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buckeye if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,192/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($262,247)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,769)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Buckeye grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Buckeye, AZ
$114,235 (2024) → $125,949 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$124,921 (2024) → $160,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buckeye, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Buckeye or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buckeye and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Buckeye to Mesa as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Buckeye vs Mesa?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov