Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Colorado Springs, CO: $23.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Colorado Springs, CO runs $23.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,195 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Colorado Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,519 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Colorado Springs, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $23.65 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the typical compensation for professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this hourly wage can lead to substantial earnings, allowing them to maintain a good balance between work and personal life. The hourly pay range for this occupation spans from $18.23 at the lower end (entry-level positions) to $29.53 for more experienced technicians or those with specialized skills. As employers increasingly recognize the importance of skilled veterinary staff, this official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data underscores the financial opportunities available in the veterinary field in Colorado Springs.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.23 | $145.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.03 | $184.25 |
| Median (P50) | $23.65 | $189.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.42 | $227.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.53 | $236.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Colorado Springs
Based on $23.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.65/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Colorado Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $49,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,384. With a cost-of-living index of 100.71 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Colorado Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Colorado Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $946.12 | $4,100 | $49,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.67 | $2,460 | $29,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.45 | $1,640 | $19,679 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Colorado Springs) | $23.65 |
| 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 Colorado Springs, CO earn a median of $49,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% below the Colorado state average of $50,508.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.65/hr = $29,519/year (purchasing power: $29,312).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,198/year (purchasing power: $48,853).
CoL index: 100.707 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Colorado Springs (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 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Colorado Springs grew 27.6% from $17.57/hr (2019) to $22.42/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.95/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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
While full-time positions offer a consistent income, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week can expect a different financial reality. On average, they might take home around $36,500 annually, significantly less when compared to full-time earnings, but still viable for those seeking flexibility. Per diem workers have the potential to earn more by billing $25-$40/hr, particularly if they are credentialed as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), which can command rates between $35-$55/hr in specialty roles. Weekend or overnight shifts, especially in high-demand environments like emergency and critical care, often yield rates of $30-$50/hr. The variation in pay across employer types in Colorado Springs reflects the need for skilled veterinary staff; corporate chain hospitals may offer benefits packages that can make lower hourly rates more attractive, while specialty hospitals and research facilities may provide higher pay but often without benefits. Negotiating for fair hourly compensation becomes crucial in this competitive job market, particularly in light of the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Colorado Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Colorado Springs?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Colorado Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Colorado Springs?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Colorado Springs?
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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 Colorado Springs. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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