Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $37,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,917 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 100.7 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,651 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,195) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates entering the field of veterinary technology in Colorado Springs can expect starting salaries around $37,917 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians, which presents a noticeable gap when compared to the median annual salary of $49,195 for the area. New professionals should be aware that over the first few years of their careers, there is the potential to earn progressively more, moving from the starting range toward the 25th percentile, which is projected at $47,908. Given the competitive job market and the projected 5.50% annual growth in this profession, Colorado Springs is poised as a feasible option for new graduates to establish their careers while capitalizing on opportunities for wage increases as they gain experience.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $37,917 and $47,908 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,516 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,195 — 1.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 73.85% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($37,917/year) in Colorado Springs. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $37,917 to $47,908, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Colorado Springs, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Colorado Springs is $23,516 ( 62.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,917, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,433.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,620
2025 BLS Actual
$35,940
2026 Current Est.
$37,917
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,002 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 30.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,620 in 2019 to $35,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,002. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Colorado Springs
Employers in Colorado Springs typically offering positions to new veterinary technology graduates include general practice clinics that are often the primary source of job openings. These clinics provide valuable on-the-job training and exposure to various specialties. Corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, often present structured mentorship programs and may offer sign-on bonuses, enriching the entry-level experience. Moreover, having credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE national exam will enhance starting pay in this locale. As such, aspiring veterinary technicians can expect to see salary growth as they accumulate experience and pursue advanced certifications, with those achieving the VTS specialty credential potentially commanding pay rates of $30-$45+/hr. The acute shortage in the vet tech workforce means opportunities for rapid salary increases over the initial years, with realistic growth indicating a significant improvement as one approaches their third year in the field.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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