Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Thornton, CO: $51,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Thornton, CO earns a median $51,300/year (≈ $24.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Thornton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $48,857 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $51,300 in 2026, with compensation varying significantly based on workplace settings. Salaries range from $36,533 at the 10th percentile to $71,630 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting a gradient that often distinguishes specialty hospitals from general practices. This data, informed by 2025 BLS figures adjusted for regional costs, illustrates a local market that compensates well compared to the national median of $49,986. Such figures may indicate a healthy demand for these skilled professionals, particularly in a market where specialty veterinary care is becoming increasingly prevalent.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,533 | $17.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,293 | $19.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,300 | $24.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,531 | $31.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,630 | $34.44 |
Median Salary Position
2.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thornton
In Thornton, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,097 (2026 est.). At $51,300, the local median is 2.63% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thornton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thornton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Thornton median: $51,300/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thornton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,493 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.63% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Thornton, CO earn a median of $51,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $50,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thornton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thornton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,300 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,857 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,249
2025 BLS Actual
$48,626
2026 Current Est.
$51,300
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,249 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,792 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,122 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thornton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,249 (2019) to $48,626 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,122 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,873 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton 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) | $36,533 – $40,293 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,293 – $51,300 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,300 – $64,531 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,531 – $71,630 |
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 Thornton
The local job market in Thornton features 34 veterinary technologists and technicians, a number that suggests a solid demand despite the higher cost of living index at 105. This index indicates that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat constrained compared to other regions. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often offer more attractive compensation packages, particularly for those with advanced certifications such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). The pay disparities in the area can also be attributed to factors such as specialty hospitals commanding higher wages due to the complexity of care provided and the competitive landscape driven by corporate employers. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing VTS credentials and seeking roles in specialized settings or corporate chains can be strategic moves in the Thornton market.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Thornton, CO in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Thornton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Thornton?
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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 $48,626 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Thornton 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 Thornton 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