Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pueblo, CO: $24.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pueblo, CO runs $24.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pueblo's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,467 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Pueblo, CO, enjoy a median hourly rate of $24.41, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This figure represents an essential component of compensation for those entering or transitioning within the profession, particularly for part-time workers and per-diem employees. For those on a three-day workweek schedule, with approximately 24 hours of work each week, the impact of this hourly wage can be substantial, allowing for a livable income while balancing other commitments. Entry-level positions may earn a starting hourly wage of $18.22, while seasoned professionals or specialists can command up to $33.59 per hour. These rates, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the dynamics of the local job market in different settings, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Pueblo 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) | $18.22 | $145.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.80 | $158.42 |
| Median (P50) | $24.41 | $195.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.42 | $243.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.59 | $268.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pueblo
Based on $24.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pueblo, CO can expect to earn approximately $50,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,295. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pueblo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pueblo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.51 | $4,232 | $50,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.90 | $2,539 | $30,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.60 | $1,693 | $20,311 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pueblo) | $24.41 |
| 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 Pueblo, CO earn a median of $50,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.60% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $50,484.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.41/hr = $30,467/year (purchasing power: $29,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,778/year (purchasing power: $48,360).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pueblo grew 34.1% from $17.25/hr (2019) to $23.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.76/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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Considering the part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week can expect to take home a significant annual amount compared to a full-time role. Per-diem veterinary technologists in Pueblo often charge rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, providing them with flexibility and increasing earning potential, especially during high-demand times such as weekends or overnight shifts where rates can soar to $30 to $50 per hour. In different employment settings, hourly pay rates can fluctuate; while general practice clinics may offer competitive wages, corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities often provide higher rates, particularly for VTS-credentialed technicians. Choosing to accept lower hourly wages at some facilities can come with the trade-off of benefits like health insurance, making it imperative for seasoned professionals to negotiate effectively according to their priorities and circumstances. For those in the Pueblo area, knowing the local market and available compensation packages will be beneficial during negotiations.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pueblo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Pueblo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Pueblo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Pueblo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pueblo?
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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 Pueblo. 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 Pueblo 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