Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Brighton, CO: $48,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Brighton, CO earns a median $48,144/year (≈ $23.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $45,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $48,144 for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brighton, CO, the compensation is slightly below the national average of $49,986. The salary range spans from $38,198 at the lower 10th percentile to $63,606 at the 90th percentile, indicating potential for growth within the profession. These figures, derived from the 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the broader trend in veterinary healthcare where specialty hospitals often offer higher pay than general practice settings. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals continues to rise, Brighton's job market may further evolve, particularly for those with specialized credentials.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,198 | $18.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,362 | $19.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,144 | $23.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,716 | $28.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,606 | $30.58 |
Median Salary Position
3.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,408 (2026 est.). At $48,144, the local median is 3.69% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Brighton median: $48,144/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,518 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -3.69% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Brighton, CO earn a median of $48,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.69% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $50,518.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,144 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,851 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,018
2025 BLS Actual
$45,634
2026 Current Est.
$48,144
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,018 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,792 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,018 (2019) to $45,634 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,774 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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) | $38,198 – $40,362 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,362 – $48,144 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,144 – $58,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,716 – $63,606 |
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 Brighton
The local employment scene shows that only seven veterinary technologists and technicians are currently working in Brighton, suggesting a tight job market. With a cost of living index at 105, the purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians is slightly above the national average, although it emphasizes the need for competitive salaries. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl tend to offer higher wages compared to general practice clinics. The disparity in pay often relates to factors like specialized training, particularly for those pursuing VTS certifications in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. To maximize earnings in Brighton, aspiring technicians should consider specializing, seek positions in high-demand facilities, or pursue roles with additional responsibilities such as mentorship or lead technician positions.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Brighton, CO in 2026?
Is Brighton, CO a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Brighton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Brighton?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Brighton?
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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 $45,634 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Brighton 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 Brighton 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