Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $51,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Fort Collins, CO earns a median $51,727/year (≈ $24.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Fort Collins's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $51,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado, are poised to offer an attractive salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026. With a median annual salary projected at $51,727, this figure not only surpasses the national median of $49,986 but also reflects a growing demand for skilled professionals in the area. The salary range for this occupation spans from $39,119 (P10) to $67,699 (P90), illustrating a significant pay gradient that may depend on the type of practice. Those employed at specialty hospitals typically earn higher wages compared to those in general practice due to the specialized skills required. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicates a solid job market for these roles in Fort Collins, driven by increasing pet ownership and a rising need for veterinary services in both emergency and specialty settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,119 | $18.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,754 | $23.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,727 | $24.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,030 | $28.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,699 | $32.55 |
Median Salary Position
3.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,580 (2026 est.). At $51,727, the local median is 3.48% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Fort Collins: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Collins Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Fort Collins median: $51,727/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Collins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,514 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +3.48% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $51,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $50,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Collins has a cost of living 1.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Collins, CO has a cost-of-living index of 101.128 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,727 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,150 — a 1.12% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,200
2025 BLS Actual
$49,030
2026 Current Est.
$51,727
2019–2027 Growth
+55.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,572 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Collins metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.3% from $35,200 (2019) to $49,030 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,572 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,372 (55.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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) | $39,119 – $49,754 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,754 – $51,727 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,727 – $60,030 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,030 – $67,699 |
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 Fort Collins
In terms of the local job market, Fort Collins currently boasts approximately 490 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating robust employment opportunities in this sector. With a cost of living index of 101.128, aspiring veterinary professionals should be mindful of purchasing power when evaluating salary figures. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often provide competitive pay, but specialty referral hospitals that focus on surgery, emergency care, and internal medicine may offer even higher salaries, particularly for those with VTS specialty credentials. Variability in pay can stem from factors such as corporate pay scales and the specific demands of specialty versus general practice settings. To maximize earnings, veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Collins should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking out positions in specialty hospitals, and landing roles that include lead or mentor responsibilities. This strategic approach can lead to financial growth, particularly as the demand for skilled personnel continues to rise.
More salary data for Fort Collins, 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 $49,030 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Fort Collins 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