Veterinarian Hourly Pay in San Tan Valley, AZ: $65.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in San Tan Valley, AZ runs $65.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,006 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against San Tan Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,599 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In San Tan Valley, Arizona, veterinarians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $65.38, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This competitive pay reflects the diverse work environments in which veterinarians operate, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty referral hospitals, and even pharmaceutical industry offices. For those working part-time—such as a schedule of three days per week—this hourly rate translates to an annual income that is still robust, allowing for flexibility in work-life balance. The hourly compensation ranges significantly, with entry-level veterinarians earning about $37.93 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $101.35 per hour, highlighting the potential for lucrative opportunities in specialty practices or urgent care settings.
About the San Tan Valley 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) | $37.93 | $303.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.43 | $419.45 |
| Median (P50) | $65.38 | $523.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.22 | $657.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.35 | $810.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Tan Valley
Based on $65.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.38/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Tan Valley, AZ can expect to earn approximately $135,998 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,461. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Tan Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Tan Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,615.35 | $11,333 | $135,998 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,569.21 | $6,800 | $81,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.14 | $4,533 | $54,399 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (San Tan Valley) | $65.38 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in San Tan Valley, AZ earn a median of $136,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.97% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.50% above the Arizona state average of $135,329.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.38/hr = $81,599/year (purchasing power: $82,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,998/year (purchasing power: $138,069).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in San Tan Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in San Tan Valley grew 36.3% from $45.45/hr (2019) to $61.94/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.02/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 San Tan Valley 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 San Tan Valley
Looking deeper into the earning potential, part-time veterinarians working in San Tan Valley can expect to take home a substantial amount even for just 24 hours of work each week. In a per-diem scenario, relief veterinarians often bill between $90 and $140 per hour at general practices, while specialty relief roles can reach $150-$250 per hour, especially in critical care or surgery. The variation in hourly pay is also influenced by employer type; corporate chains, independent practices, and specialty hospitals each have distinct pay scales for veterinarians. Those at smaller or rural practices may encounter lower hourly rates, though these often come with the trade-off of additional benefits like health insurance. With corporate consolidation in the veterinary field altering compensation models, some veterinarians may prioritize job security and work benefits over higher hourly wages without such incentives. For those negotiating their rates in this dynamic market, understanding the nuances of various practice settings and being aware of the prevailing trends can greatly enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for San Tan Valley, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in San Tan Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in San Tan Valley?
Are veterinarians in San Tan Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in San Tan Valley?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in San Tan Valley?
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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 San Tan Valley. 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 San Tan Valley 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