Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $23.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Brighton, CO runs $23.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,887 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, Colorado, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $23.15, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate offers interesting prospects for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. With a range from $18.37 for entry-level positions to $30.58 for experienced professionals, individuals in this field can find suitable opportunities that fit their schedules, whether working three days a week or on an as-needed basis. This hourly estimate reflects broader annual salary data, providing a clear picture of earning potential for those contemplating careers in veterinary medicine.
About the Brighton 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) | $18.37 | $146.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.40 | $155.21 |
| Median (P50) | $23.15 | $185.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.23 | $225.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.58 | $244.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $23.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.15/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,145 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,776. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $925.87 | $4,012 | $48,145 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $555.52 | $2,407 | $28,887 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.35 | $1,605 | $19,258 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Brighton) | $23.15 |
| 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 Brighton, CO earn a median of $48,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.69% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $50,518.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.15/hr = $28,887/year (purchasing power: $27,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,145/year (purchasing power: $45,853).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brighton grew 34.1% from $16.36/hr (2019) to $21.94/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.42/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 Brighton 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 Brighton
Considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, a veterinary technologist and technician in Brighton might expect to take home about $29,900 annually, in contrast to full-time counterparts who can earn significantly more based on a 40-hour workweek. For those exploring per-diem work, pay can vary widely; professionals often charge $25 to $40 per hour, while Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) can command anywhere from $35 to $55, particularly for weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand environments. Employers, ranging from local veterinary clinics to corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, typically offer different compensation levels based on the type of care provided. Many in this field face a trade-off between lower hourly rates for positions offering benefits and higher rates from per-diem work without those perks. Negotiating pay can be crucial in Brighton, so it's beneficial for veterinary technologists and technicians to understand local market rates and leverage their skills, especially if pursuing specialized credentials like VTS.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brighton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Brighton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Brighton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Brighton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Brighton?
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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 Brighton. 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 Brighton 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