Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wheat Ridge, CO: $23.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wheat Ridge, CO runs $23.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,599 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wheat Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,164 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at a median of $23.37, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects the broader landscape of pay for those working in diverse roles such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/ECC wards, and university teaching hospitals. For those considering part-time work with a typical schedule of three days a week, this rate implies a steady income that can provide a stable secondary source of earnings, particularly in settings where the demand for skilled veterinary support is on the rise. Entry-level positions start from around $18.90, while top earners can achieve hourly pay as high as $30.46, illustrating the potential for salary growth within this critical profession.
About the Wheat Ridge 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) | $18.90 | $151.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.86 | $158.84 |
| Median (P50) | $23.37 | $186.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.25 | $226.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.46 | $243.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheat Ridge
Based on $23.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.37/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheat Ridge, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,042. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheat Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheat Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.73 | $4,050 | $48,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.84 | $2,430 | $29,164 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.89 | $1,620 | $19,442 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wheat Ridge) | $23.37 |
| 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 Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $48,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $50,518.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.37/hr = $29,164/year (purchasing power: $27,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,606/year (purchasing power: $46,291).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheat Ridge grew 34.1% from $16.51/hr (2019) to $22.15/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.65/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 Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge
An annual income for a part-time veterinary technologist working 24 hours per week at the hourly rate reflects a significantly different financial reality compared to full-time employment. Per-diem workers can command higher hourly rates, often billing between $25 and $40, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials frequently earn $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight emergency coverage can push rates even higher, especially in markets experiencing shortages, offering competitive compensation of $30 to $50 per hour. Hourly rates also vary across employer types in Wheat Ridge, ranging from general veterinary clinics to corporate hospitals and specialty referral facilities. While some technicians may sacrifice high hourly pay for benefits offered by larger employers, others prioritize maximum earnings through agency work. Practical negotiation strategies include knowing the going rates in the area and weighing the pros and cons of benefits against direct pay.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheat Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wheat Ridge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheat Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wheat Ridge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wheat Ridge?
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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 Wheat Ridge. 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 Wheat Ridge 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