Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $24.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Arvada, CO runs $24.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,717 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,033 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $24.87, surpassing the national median of $24.03. For those working part-time, such as in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospitals, this hourly rate translates to a solid earning opportunity. Part-time workers typically focusing on three days a week can expect a substantial income while also balancing their professional and personal lives. The pay range for this role starts at approximately $19.26 for entry-level positions and can rise to about $32.66 for those at the upper end of the pay scale, reflecting the experience and specialized skills that can come into play. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and illustrate the financial opportunities available in various settings, including emergency and critical care wards and educational institutions.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.26 | $154.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.71 | $165.68 |
| Median (P50) | $24.87 | $198.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.97 | $239.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.66 | $261.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $24.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.87/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $51,722 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,840. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $994.65 | $4,310 | $51,722 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.79 | $2,586 | $31,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.86 | $1,724 | $20,689 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Arvada) | $24.87 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Arvada, CO earn a median of $51,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $50,505.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.87/hr = $31,033/year (purchasing power: $29,555).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,722/year (purchasing power: $49,259).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arvada grew 34.1% from $17.57/hr (2019) to $23.57/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Arvada
Exploring the hourly earnings further reveals the dynamics of part-time work versus full-time employment for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arvada. A typical part-time schedule, working 24 hours a week, might yield around $30,000 annually, which can be attractive for those seeking flexibility. Per diem opportunities are also prevalent; these professionals often bill at rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, offering an appealing alternative for those looking to maximize their income without the commitment of full-time roles. Specialty credentials, such as those obtained through the VTS pathway, elevate earning potential significantly—often between $35 and $55 per hour in specialty settings. Different employer types, from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals, can greatly influence pay scales and benefits. Many technicians might accept a lower hourly rate at larger corporate practices in exchange for comprehensive benefits, highlighting the trade-offs that professionals must consider. In this competitive job market, being prepared to negotiate effectively can lead to better compensation and work-life balance; familiarity with the local context and employer expectations will enhance these discussions.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arvada in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Arvada?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Arvada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Arvada?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Arvada?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arvada. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arvada 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