Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $24.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lakewood, CO runs $24.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $24.30, slightly higher than the national median of $24.03. This pay rate accommodates professionals working part-time, such as those who are on a 3-day work week, making a meaningful income while enjoying flexibility. For per-diem workers in various settings—including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals—the hourly wage typically ranges from entry-level positions starting at approximately $18.65 to more experienced roles that can command as much as $33.26 per hour. The estimated rates reflect current economic conditions and workplace demands, providing a comprehensive overview of how entry-level technicians can progress in this lucrative field.
About the Lakewood 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) | $18.65 | $149.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.11 | $160.87 |
| Median (P50) | $24.30 | $194.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.10 | $240.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.26 | $266.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $24.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.30/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $50,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,156. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.87 | $4,211 | $50,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $583.12 | $2,527 | $30,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.75 | $1,685 | $20,215 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lakewood) | $24.30 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $50,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $50,496.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.30/hr = $30,322/year (purchasing power: $28,878).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,537/year (purchasing power: $48,131).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood grew 34.1% from $17.17/hr (2019) to $23.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.63/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Analysis of earning potential reveals interesting dynamics, particularly for part-time workers. A veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week could see an annual take-home income that may be significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts while allowing for work-life balance. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood often charge $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-demand situations like weekend or overnight shifts, allowing them to capitalize on acute workforce shortages. Specialty-trained technicians with VTS credentials can command even higher rates, between $35 and $55 per hour. Pay also varies across different types of employers in the area; corporate chains and specialty hospitals might offer more competitive pay but could lack benefits compared to smaller practices. Engaging in negotiations can yield better hourly rates; aspiring techs should advocate for their worth based on experience and specific skill sets. Employers appreciate professionals who articulate their skills and their alignment with the hospital's mission, which is increasingly important in today's evolved veterinary workforce in Lakewood, CO.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lakewood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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