Veterinary Technician in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Colorado employs 3,720 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $49,650 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $49,650 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,820
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,340
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $60,380
- Employed in Colorado
- 3,720
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $56,580 (1,780 employed)
- Boulder
- $51,350 (300 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $49,030 (490 employed)
- Greeley
- $46,720 (170 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $46,630 (500 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $46,060 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,650 median is worth closer to $48,157 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +45.4%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 590 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) — regulated by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (DORA).
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and earn the CACVT credential.
- Register with the state — required to use the title and practice as a vet tech in Colorado since January 1, 2024.
Official requirements: Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (DORA) →
Training in Colorado
Title protection is new (2024), so the credential now matters more. CACVT is the approved credentialing body; demand is high at clinics and specialty/ER hospitals.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.
Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.
Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
First Steps
Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technicians make in Colorado?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Colorado is $49,650 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $60,380. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Colorado?
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), overseen by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (DORA). Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Colorado?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Colorado metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $56,580, followed by Boulder ($51,350), Fort Collins ($49,030). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects veterinary technicians employment to change +45.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 590 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (DORA) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.