Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Colorado: $55,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $55,192/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $52,564 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Centennial ($57,098), Denver ($56,580), Aurora ($55,338).
In Colorado, the 2026 average median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected at $55,192, which is 10.4% higher than the national median of $49,986. The salary range varies significantly across cities, with Centennial offering the highest average at $60,238, while Golden provides the lowest at $46,489. This $13,749 difference can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, local demand for veterinary services, and the concentration of animal healthcare facilities. Colorado requires veterinary technicians to hold a valid license, with specific educational and training requirements. The scope of practice laws in the state also dictate the responsibilities and duties of technicians, ensuring a professional standard that can lead to career advancement and higher salaries. The job market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.50%, indicating a strong demand for veterinary professionals. Prominent cities for employment in this field include Denver at $59,692, Aurora at $58,382, Boulder at $54,174, and Fort Collins at $51,727. Understanding these salary projections and factors will assist you in making informed career decisions in veterinary technology within Colorado.
Colorado Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $35,965 (lowest entry-level) to $84,701 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado veterinary technologists and technicians earn 10.41% more than the national median (+$5,206/year difference).
Colorado Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Colorado range from $43,448 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $64,273 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $55,192. The Colorado median is $5,206 above the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $26.53/hr. Approximately 3,715 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,555
2025 BLS Actual
$52,315
2026 Current Est.
$55,192
2019–2027 Growth
+59.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,555 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,315 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,228 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 43.1% from $36,555 (2019) to $52,315 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,228 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,673 (59.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Golden | $46,489 |
| Evans | $46,777 |
| Louisville | $47,050 |
| Durango | $47,327 |
| Steamboat Springs | $47,628 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | $60,238 | 105 | $57,370 |
| Denver | $59,692 | 105.782 | $56,429 |
| Aurora | $58,382 | 105 | $55,602 |
| Boulder | $54,174 | 105.202 | $51,495 |
| Fort Collins | $51,727 | 101.128 | $51,150 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $43,448 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $55,192 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $64,273 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centennial | $60,238 |
| 2 | Denver | $59,692 |
| 3 | Aurora | $58,382 |
| 4 | Boulder | $54,174 |
| 5 | Fort Collins | $51,727 |
| 6 | Arvada | $51,717 |
| 7 | Thornton | $51,300 |
| 8 | Westminster | $50,791 |
| 9 | Pueblo | $50,787 |
| 10 | Lakewood | $50,546 |
| 11 | Loveland | $50,487 |
| 12 | Parker | $50,065 |
| 13 | Erie | $49,974 |
| 14 | Windsor | $49,849 |
| 15 | Castle Rock | $49,753 |
| 16 | Broomfield | $49,737 |
| 17 | Longmont | $49,721 |
| 18 | Englewood | $49,340 |
| 19 | Greeley | $49,290 |
| 20 | Colorado Springs | $49,195 |
| 21 | Commerce City | $48,997 |
| 22 | Lafayette | $48,881 |
| 23 | Wheat Ridge | $48,599 |
| 24 | Grand Junction | $48,593 |
| 25 | Brighton | $48,144 |
| 26 | Littleton | $47,984 |
| 27 | Fountain | $47,956 |
| 28 | Northglenn | $47,910 |
| 29 | Steamboat Springs | $47,628 |
| 30 | Durango | $47,327 |
| 31 | Louisville | $47,050 |
| 32 | Evans | $46,777 |
| 33 | Golden | $46,489 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Colorado cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Compare Cities in Colorado
View all comparisons →Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Colorado?
How does Colorado veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Colorado?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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