Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $24.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Erie, CO runs $24.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,974 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,980 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $24.02 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate is quite significant for part-time workers, especially those who might work in a variety of settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/Emergency Critical Care wards, or even zoo and aquarium medical units. Workers in these roles typically engage for about three days a week, leading to a flexible but livable income. The hourly wage range in Erie spans from $18.46 for entry-level positions to approximately $30.30 for top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating how the compensation landscape varies for veterinary technologists and technicians in this community.
About the Erie 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) | $18.46 | $147.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.77 | $158.17 |
| Median (P50) | $24.02 | $192.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.42 | $227.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.30 | $242.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $24.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.02/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $49,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,827. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $960.89 | $4,164 | $49,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.54 | $2,498 | $29,980 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.36 | $1,666 | $19,987 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Erie) | $24.02 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $49,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $50,530.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.02/hr = $29,980/year (purchasing power: $28,552).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,966/year (purchasing power: $47,587).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Erie grew 34.1% from $16.97/hr (2019) to $22.77/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.34/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 Erie 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 Erie
When considering part-time work as a veterinary technologist and technician, a 24-hour work week can yield a take-home of around $28,429 annually compared to the full-time potential of $49,974. Many opt for per-diem work, where pay ranges from $25 to $40 per hour for regular shifts. For specialized technicians, such as those certified through the VTS path, the pay can reach from $35 to $55 per hour, making this a lucrative avenue within the field. Hourly rates also vary across different employers in Erie; general practice clinics tend to offer less than corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral hospitals. While some may be tempted to accept lower pay to acquire benefits such as health insurance, others weigh their options depending on their personal financial strategies. With the ongoing shortage in the veterinary tech workforce, savvy negotiation for hourly wages can open doors to better compensation, especially in an evolving job market that is still adapting to the demand for veterinary care.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Erie?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Erie?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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 Erie 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