Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $28.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Denver, CO runs $28.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,692 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,813 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $28.70, significantly outperforming the national median hourly rate of $24.03. For part-time practitioners, such as those working three days a week, this translates to an attractive $1,150 weekly income should they work full shifts. This rate also accommodates per-diem workers, who typically find placement in diverse environments like veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, university clinics, zoos, and pharmaceutical research facilities. The hourly wage varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at about $23.33 and experienced professionals earning up to $30.53, reflecting the dynamic nature of the role, where qualifications and experience can greatly influence earning potential. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.33 | $186.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.77 | $198.17 |
| Median (P50) | $28.70 | $229.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.23 | $241.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.53 | $244.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $28.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.70/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $59,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,435. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,147.84 | $4,974 | $59,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.70 | $2,984 | $35,813 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.14 | $1,990 | $23,875 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Denver) | $28.70 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $59,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.42% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 18.20% above the Colorado state average of $50,501.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.70/hr = $35,813/year (purchasing power: $33,855).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,688/year (purchasing power: $56,425).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+69.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Denver grew 52.3% from $17.86/hr (2019) to $27.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.27/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 Denver 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 Denver
Considering the part-time earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians, those working 24 hours per week can expect to see substantial annual earnings compared to full-time colleagues. In a per-diem context, rates often range between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed technicians falling into the higher bracket of $35 to $55 per hour. Employers such as corporate chains and specialty referral hospitals may offer different rates depending on the demand; weekend or overnight shifts can command $30 to $50 per hour in markets facing shortages. Some professionals may prioritize benefits over hourly earnings, opting for positions that may pay less but provide health insurance and job stability. In negotiations, being informed about industry standards and the disparity among different employer types is crucial for maximizing pay in Denver's competitive veterinary environment.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Denver in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Denver?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Denver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Denver?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Denver?
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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 Denver. 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