Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fort Collins, CO: $24.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fort Collins, CO runs $24.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,727 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fort Collins's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,033 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Collins, Colorado, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.87, which positions them slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly pay can provide a decent living for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis in settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, or zoos. With an hourly range of $18.81 at the lower end (P10) and up to $32.55 for the most experienced professionals (P90), there are considerable opportunities for growth. This data is sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections based on 2025 figures.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.81 | $150.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.92 | $191.33 |
| Median (P50) | $24.87 | $198.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.86 | $230.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.55 | $260.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Collins
Based on $24.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.87/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Collins, CO can expect to earn approximately $51,722 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,840. With a cost-of-living index of 101.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Collins.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Collins
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $994.65 | $4,310 | $51,722 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.79 | $2,586 | $31,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.86 | $1,724 | $20,689 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fort Collins) | $24.87 |
| 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 Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $51,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $50,514.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.87/hr = $31,033/year (purchasing power: $30,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,722/year (purchasing power: $51,145).
CoL index: 101.128 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Collins grew 39.3% from $16.92/hr (2019) to $23.57/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.23/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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician scheduled for three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, would take home a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time counterparts, but flexibility can be appealing. Per-diem rates for this profession fluctuate considerably, with many billing between $25 and $40 an hour, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can earn $35 to $55 per hour, notably in high-demand areas like emergency coverage at veterinary hospitals, where rates may soar to $30-$50 per hour. Hourly earnings can vary widely depending on the employer type, whether it’s a general practice, corporate chain, or specialized facility. The trade-off between hourly rates and benefits is a common consideration; some professionals opt for lower pay in exchange for comprehensive health insurance packages. Effective salary negotiation is essential, especially in a market where shortages exacerbate the demand for qualified staff. Keeping abreast of local pay scales and understanding the value of credentials like VTS can be pivotal in gaining the desired wage in Fort Collins.
More salary data for Fort Collins, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Fort Collins. 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