Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Golden, CO: $46,489 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Golden, CO earns a median $46,489/year (≈ $22.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $44,275 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $46,489 in 2026, which falls short of the national median of $49,986. The local salary range for this profession spans from $37,733 at the 10th percentile to $59,073 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost considerations. While the corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl may offer competitive pay scales, the overall market in Golden reflects the current demand for these skilled professionals, particularly as the veterinary technician workforce contends with ongoing shortages.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,733 | $18.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,389 | $18.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,489 | $22.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,641 | $26.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,073 | $28.40 |
Median Salary Position
7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,340 (2026 est.). At $46,489, the local median is 7% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Golden median: $46,489/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,531 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -7.00% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Golden, CO earn a median of $46,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $50,531.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,489 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,275 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,849
2025 BLS Actual
$44,065
2026 Current Est.
$46,489
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,489 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $32,849 (2019) to $44,065 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,196 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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) | $37,733 – $39,389 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,389 – $46,489 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,489 – $55,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,641 – $59,073 |
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 Golden
Despite the modest compensation compared to national averages, the job market in Golden remains relatively stable with only six veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index of 105 indicates that residents may face higher expenses, impacting their take-home purchasing power. While general practice veterinary clinics provide essential services, corporate hospitals like VCA and specialty facilities tend to offer the highest wages. Variability in pay arises from factors such as specialty credentials, level of experience, and employment type, with VTS-credentialed technicians often commanding the highest rates. To maximize earning potential in this market, professionals should consider pursuing specialty certifications and seeking positions in 24-hour emergency hospitals where shift differentials can further enhance overall pay.
More salary data for Golden, 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 $44,065 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Golden 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 Golden 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