Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Grand Junction, CO: $23.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Grand Junction, CO runs $23.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Grand Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,150 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Junction, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $23.36, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the financial dynamics in various working environments, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. Those in part-time roles, often working three days a week, may find themselves taking home a manageable income while gaining the flexibility that this profession affords. For new entrants, hourly wages typically start around $18.39, while experienced professionals can command up to $28.80 per hour in top positions, showcasing a significant range in earning potential based on experience and job performance. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for 2026, highlighting the competitive nature of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Grand Junction.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.39 | $147.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.48 | $163.82 |
| Median (P50) | $23.36 | $186.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.08 | $200.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.80 | $230.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Junction
Based on $23.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Junction, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,029. With a cost-of-living index of 95.48 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.31 | $4,049 | $48,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.58 | $2,429 | $29,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.72 | $1,619 | $19,434 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Grand Junction) | $23.36 |
| 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 Grand Junction, CO earn a median of $48,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $50,513.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.36/hr = $29,150/year (purchasing power: $30,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,584/year (purchasing power: $50,886).
CoL index: 95.476 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Grand Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Junction grew 51.4% from $14.62/hr (2019) to $22.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.64/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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction
Evaluating the part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working a 24-hour week could expect to earn approximately $28,582 annually, which is notably less than that of a full-time counterpart. In the realm of per-diem work, veterinary technologists often witness higher rates, with earnings typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and those specialized through VTS credentialing achieve rates of $35 to $55 per hour in niche roles. Weekend or overnight shifts can yield even more at up to $50 per hour, especially in high-demand areas. It's also vital to consider how different employer types affect hourly rates. While corporate chain hospitals might offer stability and benefits, smaller private clinics could provide higher pay without a benefits package. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Grand Junction, articulating the value of specialized skills and flexibility can markedly influence compensation discussions, regardless of the job setting.
More salary data for Grand Junction, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Grand Junction?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Grand Junction?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Junction?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Grand Junction. 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