Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $28.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Aurora, CO runs $28.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,382 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,023 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $28.06, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This elevated rate reflects the increasing demand for skilled veterinary professionals in various settings, including general practice, specialty hospitals, and veterinary research facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this compensation translates into a solid income, particularly for individuals seeking flexible schedules. Per-diem positions also provide options for workers, with entry-level pay starting around $20.37, while top earners in specialized roles can command as much as $38.79 per hour. These figures illustrate the diverse earning potential across the profession, highlighting the attractiveness of hourly work in this evolving field.
About the Aurora 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) | $20.37 | $162.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.46 | $179.69 |
| Median (P50) | $28.06 | $224.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.83 | $278.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.79 | $310.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $28.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $58,371 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,676. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.52 | $4,864 | $58,371 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.51 | $2,919 | $35,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.01 | $1,946 | $23,348 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Aurora) | $28.06 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $58,382 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.80% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 15.60% above the Colorado state average of $50,503.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.06/hr = $35,023/year (purchasing power: $33,355).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,371/year (purchasing power: $55,591).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora grew 34.1% from $19.83/hr (2019) to $26.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.61/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
Focusing on the part-time earning possibilities, a veterinary technologist and technician working an average of 24 hours a week would take home a notably lower annual income compared to full-time colleagues. However, those choosing to work as per-diem staff can earn significantly more depending on their specialization. It's common for per-diem veterinary technologists to bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists often earning $35-$55 per hour in their respective fields. Additionally, positions covering weekend or overnight emergency services can surge to $30-$50 per hour, especially in markets experiencing staffing shortages. Aurora’s employment landscape further reveals that hourly rates vary considerably across types of employers, with specialty hospitals and research labs typically offering higher pay than general practice clinics. While some professionals may opt for the security of corporate roles that provide health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, reflecting a trade-off that many in the field must navigate. For those seeking to negotiate their compensation in Aurora, demonstrating expertise, highlighting specialized credentials, and staying informed about industry standards can strengthen their position in pay discussions.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Aurora?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Aurora?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
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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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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