Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Castle Rock, CO: $23.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Castle Rock, CO runs $23.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,753 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Castle Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Castle Rock, Colorado, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $23.92 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly rate provides solid opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, education-focused university teaching hospitals, and even animal care facilities like zoos and aquariums. For hourly workers, the estimated pay range extends from $18.78 for entry-level positions to $30.77 for experienced professionals, allowing ample room for career advancement. These numbers are derived from annual salary data, which is commonplace in the sector.
About the Castle Rock 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) | $18.78 | $150.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.11 | $160.87 |
| Median (P50) | $23.92 | $191.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.54 | $228.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.77 | $246.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Castle Rock
Based on $23.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.92/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Castle Rock, CO can expect to earn approximately $49,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,700. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Castle Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Castle Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $956.67 | $4,146 | $49,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.00 | $2,487 | $29,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.67 | $1,658 | $19,899 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Castle Rock) | $23.92 |
| 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 Castle Rock, CO earn a median of $49,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $50,510.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.92/hr = $29,848/year (purchasing power: $28,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,747/year (purchasing power: $47,378).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Castle Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Castle Rock grew 34.1% from $16.90/hr (2019) to $22.67/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.23/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 Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, who may work three days a week, can be significant when compared to their full-time counterparts. Annually, a part-timer working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $18,649, while full-time colleagues earn considerably more. Per-diem roles often yield higher hourly pay, with many vet techs billing between $25 and $40 per hour, particularly those with VTS certifications in specialized fields. Various employer types also dictate hourly rates; while general practice clinics may offer decent pay, specialty referral hospitals could provide higher wages due to their expertise requirements. It’s essential to weigh benefits, such as healthcare coverage, against higher hourly wages without them. Negotiation strategies for hourly positions in Castle Rock could emphasize experience and certifications to secure the best possible rates.
More salary data for Castle Rock, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Castle Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Castle Rock?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Castle Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Castle Rock?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Castle Rock?
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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 Castle Rock. 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 Castle Rock 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