Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Denver, CO: $59,692 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Denver, CO earns a median $59,692/year (≈ $28.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Denver's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.8), that paycheck buys what $56,429 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.2% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Denver is projected to reach a median of $59,692, significantly outpacing the national median of $49,986. This reflects a growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector, particularly as the job landscape continues to evolve. The anticipated salary range extends from $48,519 at the 10th percentile to $63,511 at the 90th percentile, indicating a promising financial outlook for those entering or advancing within the field. These figures are derived from thorough analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and highlight the competitive nature of veterinary employment in Denver, especially for those considering positions in specialized hospitals versus general practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,519 | $23.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,537 | $24.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,692 | $28.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,857 | $30.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,511 | $30.53 |
Median Salary Position
19.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,992 (2026 est.). At $59,692, the local median is 19.42% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be above the median
How Denver Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Denver median: $59,692/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,501 | +18.20% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +19.42% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Denver, CO earn a median of $59,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.42% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 18.20% above the Colorado state average of $50,501.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.78% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.782 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,692 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,429 — a 5.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,140
2025 BLS Actual
$56,580
2026 Current Est.
$59,692
2019–2027 Growth
+69.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,692 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 52.3% from $37,140 (2019) to $56,580 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,835 (69.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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) | $48,519 – $51,537 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,537 – $59,692 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,692 – $62,857 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,857 – $63,511 |
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 Denver
The current job market in Denver features approximately 1,780 veterinary technologists and technicians, a significant number in relation to the growing demand in the field. However, the cost of living index stands at 105.782, slightly above the national average, which influences take-home pay and purchasing power. Specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities like VCA and BluePearl often offer higher pay scales compared to general practice clinics, particularly for those holding VTS specialty credentials in areas like emergency care and anesthesia. The disparity between the lowest and highest salaries in this region can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials at 24-hour emergency hospitals, mentor or lead positions, and the increasing importance of specialty certifications. For individuals aiming to maximize earnings in the Denver area, seeking out specialty certifications and considering roles in high-demand environments can provide substantial financial benefits.
More salary data for Denver, 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 $56,580 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Denver 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