Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Steamboat Springs, CO: $22.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Steamboat Springs, CO runs $22.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,628 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Steamboat Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,571 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, will earn a median hourly wage of $22.89, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This wage means that professionals who work part-time—such as those committed to three days a week—can expect considerable earnings, depending on their hours and responsibilities across various settings. From general practice treatment areas to specialty hospital ICU wards, those in the field can see an hourly rate that ranges from $17.60 at the lower end to $29.36 for more experienced technicians or specialized roles. These estimates reflect the typical pay scale derived from annual salary data, indicating that both entry-level and seasoned practitioners can find rewarding career prospects in the growing field of veterinary technology.
About the Steamboat Springs 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) | $17.60 | $140.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.08 | $160.61 |
| Median (P50) | $22.89 | $183.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.73 | $213.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.36 | $234.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Steamboat Springs
Based on $22.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.89/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Steamboat Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,472. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Steamboat Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Steamboat Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.74 | $3,968 | $47,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.44 | $2,381 | $28,571 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.30 | $1,587 | $19,047 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Steamboat Springs) | $22.89 |
| 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 Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $47,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $50,507.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.89/hr = $28,571/year (purchasing power: $27,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,618/year (purchasing power: $45,351).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Steamboat Springs grew 34.1% from $16.18/hr (2019) to $21.70/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.15/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 Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs
Within the context of part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician in Steamboat Springs working a 24-hour week will earn approximately $28,052 annually, significantly less than a full-time tech, who could earn over $47,000 per year. The per diem landscape also offers competitive options, with per diem veterinary technologists and technicians regularly billing between $25 and $40 per hour, while VTS specialty techs can command $35 to $55 hourly. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings can yield even higher rates, from $30 to $50 per hour, especially in tight labor markets. Hourly rates and benefits can vary widely across employer types, with independent clinics typically paying less compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Many find a trade-off between maintaining high hourly wages without benefits or opting for lower rates coupled with health insurance. For those looking to negotiate pay, understanding the average rates for different types of veterinary facilities can be advantageous when discussing compensation in Steamboat Springs.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Steamboat Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Steamboat Springs?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Steamboat Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Steamboat Springs?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Steamboat Springs?
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 Steamboat Springs. 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 Steamboat Springs 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