Vet Tech salary

Colorado Springs vs Steamboat Springs: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Colorado Springs, CO
$49,195
$23.65/hr
Steamboat Springs, CO
$47,628
$22.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColorado Springs, COSteamboat Springs, CO
Median Salary$49,195$47,628
Hourly Rate$23.65$22.89
Entry Level (P10)$37,917$36,602
25th Percentile$47,908$41,770
75th Percentile$59,122$55,616
Top Earner (P90)$61,433$61,064
Total Employed5004
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Colorado Springs ($49,195) and Steamboat Springs ($47,628) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Colorado SpringsSteamboat SpringsMedian Salary$49,195$47,628Entry Level (P10)$37,917$36,602Top Earner (P90)$61,433$61,064US Median $49,986

Verdict

Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.

The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs is $1,567 (3.29%). Colorado Springs's median is -1.58% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $23,516,Steamboat Springs spans $24,462. Steamboat Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Colorado Springs
P10 (Entry)$37,917
P25$47,908
Median$49,195
P75$59,122
P90 (Top)$61,433
Steamboat Springs
P10 (Entry)$36,602
P25$41,770
Median$47,628
P75$55,616
P90 (Top)$61,064

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($48,850 effective) pays 7.69% more than Steamboat Springs ($45,360 effective).

Colorado Springs
Nominal: $49,195
CoL Index: 100.707
Adjusted: $48,850
Steamboat Springs
Nominal: $47,628
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $45,360

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Colorado Springs if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,195/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,433)
  • Larger job market (500 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,850)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Steamboat Springs if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Colorado Springs grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.

Colorado Springs, CO

+27.6%

$36,540 (2019) → $46,630 (2025)

Steamboat Springs, CO

+8.6%

$41,585 (2024) → $45,145 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Colorado Springs or Steamboat Springs?

Colorado Springs has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,195/year, compared to Steamboat Springs at $47,628/year — a difference of $1,567 (3.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs?

Colorado Springs veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.65/hr while Steamboat Springs hygienists earn $22.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Steamboat Springs as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Colorado Springs = $48,850, Steamboat Springs = $45,360), job availability (500 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Colorado Springs vs Steamboat Springs?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,917 in Colorado Springs and $36,602 in Steamboat Springs. The Colorado Springs 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