Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Durango, CO: $47,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Durango, CO earns a median $47,327/year (≈ $22.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $45,073 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Durango, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,327, which is about 5.32% lower than the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $39,891 at the 10th percentile to $60,231 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse types of employment opportunities in the area. These estimates are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data along with regional price parities, providing a clearer picture of compensation tailored to local economic conditions. The variability in pay correlates closely with the structural choices in veterinary practice; specialty hospitals generally command higher salaries than general practice settings, driven by the complex care and expertise required.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,891 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,136 | $19.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,327 | $22.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,847 | $26.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,231 | $28.96 |
Median Salary Position
5.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,340 (2026 est.). At $47,327, the local median is 5.32% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Durango median: $47,327/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,509 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -5.32% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Durango, CO earn a median of $47,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $50,509.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,327 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,073 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,441
2025 BLS Actual
$44,860
2026 Current Est.
$47,327
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,441 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,414 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,930 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,441 (2019) to $44,860 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,930 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,489 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $39,891 – $41,136 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,136 – $47,327 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,327 – $54,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,847 – $60,231 |
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 Durango
With only five veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Durango, the local job market demonstrates modest activity. The cost-of-living index, sitting at 105, suggests that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact overall purchasing power. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals often pay the highest salaries, especially for positions requiring advanced qualifications like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. Factors contributing to the salary variances include the level of specialization—those certified in emergency and critical care or anesthesia typically earn more—as well as the pay scales set by corporate chains versus independent practices. For those looking to enhance their earnings, acquiring specialty certifications and opting for roles in higher-paying clinical environments can lead to substantial financial benefits in Durango.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Durango, CO in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Durango?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Durango?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Durango?
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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 $44,860 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Durango 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 Durango 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