Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Cody, WY: $36,907 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,907 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,525 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,034) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Cody, Wyoming can expect an entry-level salary that reflects current market conditions. The starting veterinary technologist and technician salary in Cody is projected at about $36,907, which is somewhat lower than the city’s median annual salary of $46,034. New grads can aim to progress through their first few years, moving from this initial figure to approximately $38,634 by the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 5.50% annually, Cody appears to be a moderately favorable market for new graduates, providing opportunities that may align with their career aspirations.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Cody, WY typically start between $36,907 and $38,634 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,476 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,034 — 7.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Wyoming of $20,000 represents just 54.19% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($36,907/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $36,907 to $38,634, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $19,476 ( 52.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,907, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,383.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,031
2025 BLS Actual
$34,983
2026 Current Est.
$36,907
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,792 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,907 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,937 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,031 in 2019 to $34,983 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,937. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Employers across Cody who typically hire new veterinary technologist and technician graduates include general practice clinics, which offer hands-on experience that is invaluable for early-career professionals. Corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl provide structured mentorship programs and often have sign-on bonuses, making them attractive options for new hires. To enhance starting pay in Wyoming, candidates should focus on achieving recognized credentials, including an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE national exam, and obtaining state credentials like CVT, RVT, or LVT. The acute workforce shortage in the veterinary technician field has prompted significant salary increases, with many markets witnessing a 25-40% rise since 2020. By pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, early-career professionals can elevate their earning potential significantly, positioning themselves for salaries that range between $30-$45 or more per hour within a few years of experience.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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