Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $24.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Thornton, CO runs $24.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Thornton, CO, earn a median hourly rate of $24.67, which is slightly above the national median of $24.03. This hourly pay is beneficial for those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities, allowing them to balance their professional commitments with other responsibilities. In practical terms, a part-time worker on a typical 3-day work schedule could anticipate earnings that support a reasonable lifestyle in the area. Additionally, the hourly wage spectrum ranges from $17.57 for entry-level positions up to $34.44 for highly experienced individuals, reflecting the various work settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. These figures underscore the competitive nature of veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Thornton, making it a viable option for those in the field.
About the Thornton 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) | $17.57 | $140.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.37 | $154.96 |
| Median (P50) | $24.67 | $197.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.03 | $248.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.44 | $275.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $24.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $51,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,599. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $986.64 | $4,275 | $51,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.98 | $2,565 | $30,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.65 | $1,710 | $20,522 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Thornton) | $24.67 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $51,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $50,493.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.67/hr = $30,783/year (purchasing power: $29,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,305/year (purchasing power: $48,862).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Thornton grew 34.1% from $17.43/hr (2019) to $23.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.02/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Examining the financial landscape, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week may find that their annual take-home pay significantly differs from full-time colleagues, which can influence work-life balance and job satisfaction. Typically, per-diem professionals may charge from $25 to $40 per hour, benefiting from the flexibility of their schedules. Credentialed specialists, especially those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, can earn between $35 and $55 hourly. In Thornton's competitive job market, particularly for weekend and overnight shifts, rates can even climb to $30-$50 per hour due to high demand. Variances in pay exist between different types of employers—general practice settings may offer more stability but lower hourly rates, while corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral units often provide higher wages with accompanying trade-offs in benefits. Prospective employees should consider their priorities carefully, as sometimes lower hourly rates come with health insurance, while higher pay options may lack those perks. Negotiating effectively within these parameters can lead to a more favorable compensation package tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Thornton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Thornton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Thornton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Thornton?
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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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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