Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, CO: $50,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lakewood, CO earns a median $50,546/year (≈ $24.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $48,139 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $50,546, surpassing the national median of $49,986 by 1.12%. With a salary range from $38,786 at the tenth percentile to $69,183 at the ninetieth, professionals in this field encounter substantial pay variations. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. In a city like Lakewood, where the choice between specialty hospitals and general practice clinics influences pay dynamics, individuals aim to position themselves strategically for optimal earnings.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,786 | $18.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,815 | $20.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,546 | $24.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,597 | $30.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,183 | $33.26 |
Median Salary Position
1.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,397 (2026 est.). At $50,546, the local median is 1.12% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $50,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,496 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.12% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $50,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $50,496.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,546 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,139 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,716
2025 BLS Actual
$47,911
2026 Current Est.
$50,546
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,666 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,669 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,133 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,326 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,716 (2019) to $47,911 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,326 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,610 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $38,786 – $41,815 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,815 – $50,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,546 – $62,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,597 – $69,183 |
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 Lakewood
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood comprises 27 professionals, suggesting a modest yet stable presence in the industry. Given a cost-of-living index of 105, which exceeds the national average, the actual take-home pay may feel somewhat diminished. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals—VCA, BluePearl, NVA—typically offer competitive salaries, while specialty referral facilities that deal with surgery, emergency care, and oncology often pay more for advanced skills, particularly those holding a VTS specialty credential. The spread between lower and higher wages is driven by factors such as additional certifications, hospital type, and duties, including shift differentials for 24-hour emergency care roles. For those seeking to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing specialty credentials and considering positions in higher-paying facilities can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood, CO in 2026?
Is Lakewood, CO a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lakewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lakewood?
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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 $47,911 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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