Veterinarian Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $132,952 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Buckeye, AZ earns a median $132,952/year (≈ $63.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Buckeye's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $134,977 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, veterinarians in Buckeye, Arizona, can expect a median annual salary of $132,952, reflecting a slight 3.19% decrease when compared to the national median of $137,334. The local salary range spans from $79,803 at the 10th percentile to as high as $206,075 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variances. With a growth rate of 5.56% annual compounded over the next five years, the job market for veterinarians in Buckeye is relatively robust, suggesting continued demand for skilled professionals in this field.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,803 | $38.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,886 | $50.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,952 | $63.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,258 | $79.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,075 | $99.08 |
Median Salary Position
3.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
In Buckeye, AZ, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,272 (2026 est.). At $132,952, the local median is 3.19% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buckeye: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buckeye Veterinarian Pay Compares
Buckeye median: $132,952/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buckeye Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $135,251 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -3.19% less |
Veterinarians in Buckeye, AZ earn a median of $132,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.70% below the Arizona state average of $135,251.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buckeye has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buckeye, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $132,952 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,977 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,414
2025 BLS Actual
$125,949
2026 Current Est.
$132,952
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Buckeye (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,414 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,168 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,965 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,952 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,344 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buckeye metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $92,414 (2019) to $125,949 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,344 by 2027 — a total increase of $47,930 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,803 – $105,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,886 – $132,952 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,952 – $166,258 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,258 – $206,075 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Buckeye
Currently employing 19 veterinarians, Buckeye presents a mixed job market where compensation varies significantly. The cost of living index is 98.5, indicating that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, purchasing power remains reasonable. Among employers, corporate-run small animal clinics, such as VCA and BluePearl, are notable for higher pay scales, which can often exceed those of independent practices. Factors influencing salary disparities in Buckeye include the prevalence of specialty board certifications, production-based compensation models, and practice ownership opportunities. New graduates also have access to enticing sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 in shortage areas. To optimize earnings, aspiring veterinarians should consider pursuing specialty training and seek roles at established corporate entities that are currently prioritizing talent acquisition.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinarians make $100K in Buckeye?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $125,949 for veterinariansin the Buckeye metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buckeye 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