Fort Collins vs Thornton: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,727▲ | $51,300 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.87▲ | $24.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,119▲ | $36,533 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,754▲ | $40,293 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,030 | $64,531▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,699 | $71,630▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $427 (0.83%). Fort Collins's median is +3.48% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $28,580,Thornton spans $35,097. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($51,150 effective) pays 4.69% more than Thornton ($48,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,727/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,150)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,630)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fort Collins grew 39.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$35,200 (2019) → $49,030 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$44,792 (2024) → $48,626 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Thornton as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fort Collins vs Thornton?
Related Comparisons
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.
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