Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Boulder, CO: $54,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Boulder, CO earns a median $54,174/year (≈ $26.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $51,495 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the 2026 median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected at $54,174, which is notably higher than the national median of $49,986. The salary range in this market is quite distinct, spanning from $39,710 at the 10th percentile to $64,397 at the 90th percentile. This data comes from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys. For those in specialty referral settings, salaries tend to lean toward the upper end of this spectrum, significantly differentiating them from general practice positions. As a result, the job market in Boulder presents a variety of compensation opportunities for veterinary professionals willing to pursue advanced certifications and specializations.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,710 | $19.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,883 | $24.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,174 | $26.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,606 | $30.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,397 | $30.95 |
Median Salary Position
8.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,687 (2026 est.). At $54,174, the local median is 8.38% above the national median of $49,986.
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How Boulder Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Boulder median: $54,174/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,489 | +7.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +8.38% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Boulder, CO earn a median of $54,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.38% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% above the Colorado state average of $50,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,174 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,495 — a 4.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,950
2025 BLS Actual
$51,350
2026 Current Est.
$54,174
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.0% from $36,950 (2019) to $51,350 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,204 (54.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $39,710 – $50,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,883 – $54,174 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,174 – $63,606 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,606 – $64,397 |
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 Boulder
The local veterinary job market features around 300 veterinary technologists and technicians, which reflects a robust demand for these skilled professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 105.202, Boulder's living expenses are slightly above the national average, and this influences take-home purchasing power. Notably, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often pay slightly lower than specialty hospitals, which are known to offer more competitive wages due to the complexities involved in advanced care. Factors driving the variation in pay include the VTS specialty credential in areas like emergency care or internal medicine, which commands higher salaries, and pay scales that differ between corporate and specialty environments. To maximize earning potential in Boulder, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking employment in high-demand fields such as emergency or surgical care is advisable.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $51,350 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Boulder 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
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