Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $48,599 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $48,599/year (≈ $23.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $46,285 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $48,599 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $49,986. The local salary range highlights the industry variability, offering pay from $39,304 (P10) to $63,362 (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for Colorado's cost of living. With increased corporate consolidation in the veterinary sector, such as through chains like VCA and BluePearl, the pay scale reflects competitive compensation structures that adapt to the broader job market. This landscape underscores the potential for advancement as the demand for skilled veterinary professionals grows, particularly with an expected 5.50% annual growth rate in this field.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,304 | $18.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,293 | $19.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,599 | $23.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,756 | $28.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,362 | $30.46 |
Median Salary Position
2.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,058 (2026 est.). At $48,599, the local median is 2.77% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $48,599/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,518 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.77% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $48,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $50,518.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,599 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,285 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,340
2025 BLS Actual
$46,065
2026 Current Est.
$48,599
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,254 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,599 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,271 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,340 (2019) to $46,065 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,271 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,931 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $39,304 – $41,293 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,293 – $48,599 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,599 – $58,756 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,756 – $63,362 |
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 Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, the veterinary job market is relatively small, with only eight veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed. However, the cost-of-living index at 105 signals that while earning potential exists, it must be weighed against living expenses in the area. Corporate hospitals, like VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer the highest salaries, often complemented by various shift differentials and additional incentives for experienced staff. The disparity between pay levels can stem from advanced certifications such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), particularly in emergency and critical care, which can command significantly higher rates. To maximize earnings in this niche market, pursuing specialty credentials and comparing opportunities across different types of facilities—such as specialty hospitals versus general practices—can be vital strategies for veterinary technologists and technicians looking to improve their financial outcomes.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 $46,065 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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