Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Castle Rock, CO: $49,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Castle Rock, CO earns a median $49,753/year (≈ $23.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Castle Rock's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $47,384 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Castle Rock, CO, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $49,753, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $39,068 at the 10th percentile to $64,015 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse landscape of pay based on the type of veterinary practice and the expertise required. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments, suggest that those working in specialty hospitals may command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in general practice. This underscores the evolving nature of the veterinary field in Castle Rock, where veterinary technologists and technicians are increasingly vital, and competition for skilled professionals continues to grow.
About the Castle Rock Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,068 | $18.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,816 | $20.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,753 | $23.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,360 | $28.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,015 | $30.77 |
Median Salary Position
0.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Castle Rock
In Castle Rock, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,947 (2026 est.). At $49,753, the local median is 0.47% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Castle Rock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Castle Rock Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Castle Rock median: $49,753/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Castle Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,510 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.47% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Castle Rock, CO earn a median of $49,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $50,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Castle Rock has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Castle Rock, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,753 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,384 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,155
2025 BLS Actual
$47,159
2026 Current Est.
$49,753
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Castle Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,155 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,091 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,489 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Castle Rock metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,155 (2019) to $47,159 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,489 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,334 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Castle Rock 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) | $39,068 – $41,816 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,816 – $49,753 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,753 – $59,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,360 – $64,015 |
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 Castle Rock
With only 14 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Castle Rock, the local job market presents a unique scenario. The cost-of-living index of 105 indicates that while expenses are slightly elevated compared to the national average, pay scales in corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl can offer significant annual salary enhancements, especially for those with VTS specialty credentials in emergency and critical care. The difference between low and high salaries in the area often hinges on factors such as the work setting—specialty versus general practice—and additional compensation for leadership roles or shift differentials in 24-hour ER facilities. To maximize earning potential in this market, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing specialty certifications, gaining experience in high-demand areas, and seeking positions within corporate practices that are more likely to offer competitive pay packages relative to smaller clinics or general practices.
More salary data for Castle Rock, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Castle Rock, CO in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Castle Rock?
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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 $47,159 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock 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