Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Chandler, AZ: $82.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Chandler, AZ runs $82.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,205 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Chandler's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $83.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,717 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chandler, Arizona, the estimated veterinarian hourly rate is $82.31, significantly higher than the national median of $66.03. This robust rate highlights the potential for both part-time and per-diem veterinarians to earn a competitive income in various practice settings, such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and university clinics. For a veterinarian working three days a week, their hourly pay translates to a respectable take-home income, while those in per-diem roles can leverage their rates, which may be influenced by the demand of the market. The hourly earnings vary greatly, from entry-level positions at around $47.74 to experienced practitioners earning up to $127.58, providing a wide range of opportunities tailored to individual experience and practice type.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.74 | $381.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.53 | $484.22 |
| Median (P50) | $82.31 | $658.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.36 | $842.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.58 | $1020.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chandler
Based on $82.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.31/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chandler, AZ can expect to earn approximately $171,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,766. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chandler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chandler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,292.21 | $14,266 | $171,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,975.32 | $8,560 | $102,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,316.88 | $5,706 | $68,478 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Chandler) | $82.31 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Chandler, AZ earn a median of $171,205 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.66% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 26.60% above the Arizona state average of $135,233.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.31/hr = $102,717/year (purchasing power: $104,281).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,195/year (purchasing power: $173,802).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Chandler grew 36.3% from $57.21/hr (2019) to $77.97/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinarian in Chandler
When exploring part-time employment in veterinary medicine, a 24-hour work week can yield substantial earnings, contrasting sharply with full-time salaries. Per-diem veterinarians in Chandler may command rates between $90-$140 for general practice and upwards of $150-$250 for specialized services such as surgery or emergency care. The hourly compensation varies widely depending on employment settings, with corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl offering different structures than independent practices or large animal clinics. While corporate entities can provide health insurance benefits that sometimes lead to lower hourly rates, some veterinarians choose flexibility and higher hourly pay without benefits in locum roles. In negotiations, candidates should be prepared to discuss their unique skill sets and consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits to secure the best employment conditions possible.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Chandler in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Chandler?
Are veterinarians in Chandler paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Chandler?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Chandler?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Chandler. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chandler is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov