Vet Tech salary

Aurora vs Denver: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Aurora, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aurora, CO
$58,382
$28.06/hr
Denver, CO
$59,692
$28.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, CODenver, CO
Median Salary$58,382$59,692
Hourly Rate$28.06$28.70
Entry Level (P10)$42,379$48,519
25th Percentile$46,727$51,537
75th Percentile$72,437$62,857
Top Earner (P90)$80,689$63,511
Total Employed541,780
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($58,382) and Denver ($59,692) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AuroraDenverMedian Salary$58,382$59,692Entry Level (P10)$42,379$48,519Top Earner (P90)$80,689$63,511US Median $49,986

Verdict

Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.

The salary gap between Aurora and Denver is $1,310 (2.24%). Denver's median is +19.42% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $38,310,Denver spans $14,992. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$42,379
P25$46,727
Median$58,382
P75$72,437
P90 (Top)$80,689
Denver
P10 (Entry)$48,519
P25$51,537
Median$59,692
P75$62,857
P90 (Top)$63,511

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($56,429 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($55,602 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $58,382
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $55,602
Denver
Nominal: $59,692
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $56,429

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($80,689)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Denver if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,692/year)
  • Larger job market (1,780 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,429)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Aurora grew 22.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.3% growth in Denver over the same period.

Aurora, CO

+22.2%

$45,288 (2024) → $55,338 (2025)

Denver, CO

+52.3%

$37,140 (2019) → $56,580 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Aurora or Denver?

Denver has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $59,692/year, compared to Aurora at $58,382/year — a difference of $1,310 (2.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Denver?

Aurora veterinary technologist and technicians earn $28.06/hr while Denver hygienists earn $28.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aurora to Denver as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Denver. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $55,602, Denver = $56,429), job availability (54 vs 1,780 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Aurora vs Denver?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $42,379 in Aurora and $48,519 in Denver. The Denver area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov