Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Scottsdale, AZ: $68.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Scottsdale, AZ runs $68.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,559 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Scottsdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scottsdale, Arizona, veterinarians command a median hourly pay of $68.54, which is slightly above the national median of $66.03. This hourly compensation reflects the skill set and expertise required in diverse settings, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. Part-time veterinarians working three days a week can leverage this rate, making sustainable income while balancing work and personal commitments. The hourly range for the profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $39.75 and experienced practitioners reaching upwards of $106.24, indicative of the demand and expertise present in the region's veterinary landscape.
About the Scottsdale 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) | $39.75 | $318.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.69 | $413.54 |
| Median (P50) | $68.54 | $548.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.73 | $701.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.24 | $849.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scottsdale
Based on $68.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.54/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scottsdale, AZ can expect to earn approximately $142,563 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,248. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scottsdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scottsdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,741.60 | $11,880 | $142,563 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,644.96 | $7,128 | $85,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,096.64 | $4,752 | $57,025 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Scottsdale) | $68.54 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Scottsdale, AZ earn a median of $142,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 5.40% above the Arizona state average of $135,255.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.54/hr = $85,538/year (purchasing power: $86,841).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,563/year (purchasing power: $144,734).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Scottsdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Scottsdale grew 36.3% from $47.64/hr (2019) to $64.93/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.35/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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale
Evaluating earning potential reveals interesting dynamics for both part-time and per-diem veterinarians in Scottsdale. A veterinarian working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, could take home a pro-rated income that reflects their hourly pay, creating different annual earnings compared to full-time roles. Per diem veterinarians also see significant earnings; for instance, many bill at $90-$140 per hour in standard practices, and with specialties like surgery or internal medicine, rates can soar to $150-$250 hourly. Variations across employer types impact earnings as well; corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl represent significant market shares, often offering structured compensation but sometimes lower hourly pay compared to independent practices that may provide more flexible arrangements but less stability. While some might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may pursue higher pay rates without benefits for added financial freedom. To negotiate effectively in Scottsdale, veterinarians should emphasize their unique skills and readiness for specialized roles, tapping into market demand trends as they seek the optimal veterinary hourly rate in AZ.
More salary data for Scottsdale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Scottsdale. 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 Scottsdale 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