Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $28.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Centennial, CO runs $28.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $28.96 in 2026, which reflects a significant premium over the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This higher rate is welcomed by both full-time and part-time workers, making the profession more appealing for those who choose to work a schedule of three days a week or take on per-diem positions within diverse work environments, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. For entry-level workers, hourly earnings typically start around $20.78, while top earners can reach up to $40.72 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary data, highlight the potential for growth and income variation within the field, accommodating various professional aspirations and lifestyles.
About the Centennial 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) | $20.78 | $166.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.87 | $182.98 |
| Median (P50) | $28.96 | $231.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.75 | $278.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.72 | $325.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $28.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.96/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $60,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,752. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.39 | $5,020 | $60,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.03 | $3,012 | $36,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.36 | $2,008 | $24,095 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Centennial) | $28.96 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $60,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.51% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 19.30% above the Colorado state average of $50,493.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.96/hr = $36,142/year (purchasing power: $34,421).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,236/year (purchasing power: $57,368).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Centennial grew 34.1% from $20.46/hr (2019) to $27.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.55/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
Focusing on part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week can expect to take home around $39,661 yearly, a considerable difference from full-time annual earnings. Per-diem practitioners often see pay rates ranging from $25 to $40 an hour; however, those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command significantly higher rates, anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, especially in specialty practices or emergency settings. In Centennial, hourly compensation also varies widely by employer type, with general practices generally offering lower wages compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers that may pay around $30-$50 for weekend ER coverage. The trade-offs between lower hourly rates with health benefits and higher rates without them are real considerations for professionals. For those navigating pay negotiations in this competitive market, emphasizing relevant experience and specialty credentials can lead to favorable outcomes in securing better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Centennial in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Centennial?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Centennial paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Centennial?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Centennial?
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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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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