Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $22.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Golden, CO runs $22.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,900 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $22.36 in 2026. This figure places local practitioners below the national median of $24.03, illustrating how geographic pay disparities can affect overall earnings. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to a take-home income of around $1,070 monthly based on a 24-hour work schedule. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians might find opportunities in various settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, with an hourly rate ranging significantly from $18.15 to $28.40, depending on experience and employer type. While entry-level positions generally start on the lower end of this scale, established professionals can command salaries at the higher end, underscoring the importance of skill development and continued education in advancing one's career in this field.
About the Golden 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) | $18.15 | $145.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.94 | $151.50 |
| Median (P50) | $22.36 | $178.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.75 | $214.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.40 | $227.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $22.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $46,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,827. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $894.22 | $3,875 | $46,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $536.53 | $2,325 | $27,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.69 | $1,550 | $18,600 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Golden) | $22.36 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $46,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $50,531.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.36/hr = $27,900/year (purchasing power: $26,571).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,499/year (purchasing power: $44,285).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Golden grew 34.1% from $15.80/hr (2019) to $21.19/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.58/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 Golden 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 Golden
Examining the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that a 24-hour work week results in an annual income of approximately $12,840, starkly lower than that of full-time employees. Through per-diem work, individuals have the potential to earn rates between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on the urgency and niche of the work. Specialty technicians with VTS credentials find themselves earning between $35 and $55 per hour. Rates for weekend or overnight shifts in understaffed emergency rooms can also rise to anywhere from $30 to $50 due to increased demand. In Golden, hourly pay can vary depending on the employer; general practice clinics typically offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral centers, and research laboratories, which may offer higher compensation but less job security. For those negotiating hourly wages, it is critical to balance the hourly rate with benefits, as many opt for lower pay in exchange for health insurance, which can influence long-term financial stability.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Golden in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Golden?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Golden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Golden?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Golden?
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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 Golden. 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 Golden 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