Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $22.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Durango, CO runs $22.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,327 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,400 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $22.76 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the economic landscape of the region, affecting both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working part-time, approximately three days per week, this pay translates into a modest income that can cater to personal needs, but may also limit full benefits. Entry-level workers can expect around $19.18 an hour, while those reaching the top of their field may earn up to $28.96, showcasing a broad range of potential earnings across different settings—be it general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even research facilities. It’s essential to consider these figures as estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the local demand for veterinary expertise.
About the Durango 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) | $19.18 | $153.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.78 | $158.25 |
| Median (P50) | $22.76 | $182.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.36 | $210.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.96 | $231.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $22.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,308. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $910.25 | $3,944 | $47,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $546.15 | $2,367 | $28,400 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.10 | $1,578 | $18,933 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Durango) | $22.76 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $47,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $50,509.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.76/hr = $28,400/year (purchasing power: $27,048).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,333/year (purchasing power: $45,079).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Durango grew 34.1% from $16.08/hr (2019) to $21.57/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.01/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 Durango 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 Durango
Analyzing earning potential reveals differing pathways within the profession that can significantly impact individual financial outcomes. A part-time veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week might bring in around $28,200 annually, while a full-time worker could earn close to $47,327 per year. The variability in per-diem roles is notable, with professionals often charging between $25 to $40 per hour for on-demand work, especially on weekends or for emergency coverage. Employers such as corporate veterinary chains might offer stable hourly rates but could fall short on benefits compared to specialty hospitals, which might provide higher pay but with more demanding roles. Veterinary technologists pursuing VTS credentialing can reap greater hourly wages, typically from $30 to $45 and above. Understanding the balance between hourly rates and the benefits packages offered can provide vital negotiation leverage for those seeking employment in Durango, which is experiencing ongoing workforce shortages in veterinary medicine.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Durango?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Durango paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Durango?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Durango?
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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 Durango. 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 Durango 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