Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Arvada, CO: $51,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Arvada, CO earns a median $51,717/year (≈ $24.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Arvada's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $49,254 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Arvada, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $51,717, which slightly exceeds the national average of $49,986. Salaries in this field typically range from $40,068 at the 10th percentile to $67,934 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse payment structure across different practice settings and levels of experience. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living considerations which, at 105, indicates that Arvada sits above the national average. Moreover, pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care or anesthesia can significantly enhance earning potential in this market, making this pathway especially appealing for those committed to advancing their careers.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,068 | $19.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,074 | $20.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,717 | $24.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,353 | $29.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,934 | $32.66 |
Median Salary Position
3.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arvada
In Arvada, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,866 (2026 est.). At $51,717, the local median is 3.46% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arvada: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arvada Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Arvada median: $51,717/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arvada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,505 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +3.46% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Arvada, CO earn a median of $51,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $50,505.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arvada has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arvada, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,717 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,254 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,543
2025 BLS Actual
$49,021
2026 Current Est.
$51,717
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,516 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,126 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,255 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,156 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,021 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,562 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arvada metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,543 (2019) to $49,021 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,562 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,019 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,068 – $43,074 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,074 – $51,717 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,717 – $62,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,353 – $67,934 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Arvada
The local employment scene features 31 veterinary technologists and technicians currently working in the area, indicating a competitive job market in Arvada. With a cost of living index above average, professionals should strategize effectively to maximize their take-home pay. Among the highest-paying employers in the region are specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, which often provide additional pay scales or shift differentials, particularly for those in 24-hour emergency facilities. The wide salary range in this profession reflects various factors, including the significance of VTS credentials in commanding higher wages and the differences in compensation between general practices and specialty hospitals. To boost earnings, individuals should seek out opportunities in specialty care settings and consider pursuing advanced certifications to enhance their marketability and pay scale in the growing Arvada CO job market.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Arvada, CO in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Arvada?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,021 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Arvada metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arvada 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