Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Englewood, CO: $37,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Englewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,064 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Englewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,299 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,340) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, entering the field as a veterinary technologist or technician in Englewood, Colorado, entails starting salaries that can range significantly. New graduates might find themselves at a baseline with a starting pay of approximately $37,064, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $49,340. This initial discrepancy poses realistic challenges, yet it also provides room for expected growth; as entry-level employees gain experience, they can look forward to moving up the salary scale. Within just a few years, those who are entry-level could transition toward the P25 range at $39,826 or even higher, especially in a market showing strong demand for skilled veterinary professionals. Englewood's rising salaries juxtaposed with an acute veterinary technician workforce shortage make it a promising area for new graduates seeking opportunities.
About the Englewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Englewood
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 Englewood
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Englewood, CO typically start between $37,064 and $39,826 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,673 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,340 — 1.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 75.55% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($37,064/year) in Englewood. 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 Englewood
- 1Research the Englewood market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $37,064 to $39,826, 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 Englewood, 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 Englewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Englewood'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 Englewood is $25,673 ( 69.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,064, experienced hygienists can earn up to $62,737.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,133
2025 BLS Actual
$35,132
2026 Current Est.
$37,064
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Englewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,107 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,103 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Englewood, CO grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,133 in 2019 to $35,132 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,103. New graduates entering the Englewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Englewood 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 Englewood
Employers in Englewood actively recruit novice veterinary technologists and technicians, primarily from general practice clinics that offer valuable on-the-job training in a fast-paced environment. Corporate groups, such as VCA and BluePearl, not only hire recent graduates but often provide structured mentorship and sign-on bonuses to attract talent. Specialty hospitals typically require a year or two of experience, making general practices an ideal starting point for entry-level professionals. Having an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE exam, and obtaining state credentials like CVT, RVT, or LVT can further enhance earning potential. As new entrants to the field garner experience, they may anticipate gradual increases in their salary, ultimately aiming for the VTS specialty credential, which positions them for earnings of $30-$45+/hr. Given the upward trend in salaries across many markets, new grads in CO can realistically expect to see their earnings rise significantly—projected increases of 5.50% annually—if they follow a strategic career pathway in the industry.
More salary data for Englewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Englewood in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Englewood?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Englewood?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Englewood?
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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 Englewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Englewood 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 5.50%, 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