Veterinarian Salary

Goodyear vs Phoenix: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Goodyear, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Goodyear, AZ
$134,773
$64.79/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$170,015
$81.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGoodyear, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$134,773$170,015
Hourly Rate$64.79$81.74
Entry Level (P10)$78,168$87,171
25th Percentile$101,449$135,993
75th Percentile$170,735$220,705
Top Earner (P90)$208,898$321,567
Total Employed151,480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Goodyear ($134,773) and Phoenix ($170,015) veterinarian salaries.GoodyearPhoenixMedian Salary$134,773$170,015Entry Level (P10)$78,168$87,171Top Earner (P90)$208,898$321,567US Median $137,334

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Goodyear.

The salary gap between Goodyear and Phoenix is $35,242 (26.15%). Phoenix's median is +23.80% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Goodyear spans $130,730,Phoenix spans $234,396. Phoenix has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.

Goodyear
P10 (Entry)$78,168
P25$101,449
Median$134,773
P75$170,735
P90 (Top)$208,898
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$87,171
P25$135,993
Median$170,015
P75$220,705
P90 (Top)$321,567

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($164,558 effective) pays 20.27% more than Goodyear ($136,825 effective).

Goodyear
Nominal: $134,773
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $136,825
Phoenix
Nominal: $170,015
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $164,558

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Goodyear if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($170,015/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($321,567)
  • Larger job market (1,480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,558)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Goodyear grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.2% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Goodyear, AZ

+10.3%

$115,800 (2024) → $127,674 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+54.2%

$104,440 (2019) → $161,060 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Goodyear or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median veterinarian salary at $170,015/year, compared to Goodyear at $134,773/year — a difference of $35,242 (26.15%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Goodyear and Phoenix?

Goodyear veterinarians earn $64.79/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $81.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Goodyear to Phoenix as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Goodyear and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Goodyear = $136,825, Phoenix = $164,558), job availability (15 vs 1,480 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Goodyear vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $78,168 in Goodyear and $87,171 in Phoenix. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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