Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $23.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lafayette, CO runs $23.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,335 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $23.51, which falls slightly below the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate allows for a reasonable income for both part-time and per-diem professionals working in various environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and university teaching clinics. For those considering part-time employment at three days a week, the hourly rate supports a flexible lifestyle while also providing decent compensation. The hourly range in Lafayette stretches from $17.29 for entry-level roles to $30.90 for experienced technicians at the top of their field, highlighting increasing pay potential as skill sets and responsibilities expand.
About the Lafayette 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) | $17.29 | $138.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.13 | $161.04 |
| Median (P50) | $23.51 | $188.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.69 | $221.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.90 | $247.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $23.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.51/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,206. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $940.22 | $4,074 | $48,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.13 | $2,445 | $29,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.09 | $1,630 | $19,556 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lafayette) | $23.51 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $48,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $50,497.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.51/hr = $29,335/year (purchasing power: $27,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,891/year (purchasing power: $46,563).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lafayette grew 34.1% from $16.61/hr (2019) to $22.28/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.80/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Turning to a deeper analysis of the profession, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $28,794 annually, which demonstrates a significant difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem workers can significantly enhance their earnings, with typical billing rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while specialists with VTS credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Emergency and overnight shifts at understaffed facilities often offer even higher rates of $30 to $50, effectively making this a lucrative field in certain circumstances. Hourly pay can also vary based on the type of employer, with corporate chains and specialty hospitals potentially offering higher pay but often at the expense of benefits like health insurance. Thus, although accepting a lower hourly rate may be appealing for those seeking benefits, many in Lafayette navigate these decisions based on their individual circumstances and priorities.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lafayette?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lafayette?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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