Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Evans, CO: $38,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Evans, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,299 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,475 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,777) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Evans, Colorado can expect a starting salary around $38,299. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, with the city’s median annual salary for this occupation standing at $46,777. The gap between entry-level pay and the median suggests that while there is room for growth, new graduates will need to navigate the early years of their careers with realistic financial expectations. As they gain experience, transitioning from entry-level to P25 at approximately $39,986, and eventually toward the median salary is a feasible pathway in a market that anticipates annual growth rates of 5.50%.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
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 Evans
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Evans, CO typically start between $38,299 and $39,986 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,815 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,777 — 6.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Colorado of $28,000 represents just 73.11% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($38,299/year) in Evans. 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 Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $38,299 to $39,986, 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 Evans, 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 Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans'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 Evans is $21,815 ( 56.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,299, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,114.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,937
2025 BLS Actual
$36,302
2026 Current Est.
$38,299
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,044 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,405 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, CO grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,937 in 2019 to $36,302 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,405. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 Evans
In Evans, newly minted veterinary technologists and technicians have various avenues for employment, primarily focusing on general practice clinics that often seek fresh talent. These facilities can provide valuable on-the-job training experiences. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl may offer structured mentorship programs along with attractive sign-on bonuses, making them a viable option for new grads. It’s crucial for candidates to attain the requisite credentials, including an associate’s or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, completion of the VTNE national exam, and obtaining a relevant state credential. Also, given the acute shortage in the veterinary technician workforce, early-career professionals can anticipate a solid upward trajectory in pay, especially for those who pursue Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification, which could elevate their earning potential to over $30 per hour within just a few years.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Evans?
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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 Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans 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