Veterinary Technician in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Pueblo isn't a high-cost metro like Denver or Colorado Springs, but that also means salaries for veterinary technicians reflect a more modest market. The data paints a clear picture: the median salary for a veterinary technician in Pueblo is $41,765/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.08/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $42,740/year, but remember, our cost of living is significantly lower.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market. These are realistic ranges based on regional job postings and local clinic conversations:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Notes for Pueblo
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$35,000 - $39,500	$16.83 - $19.00	New grads often start here. Expect more training hours.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$40,000 - $46,000	$19.23 - $22.12	This is where the median sits. Solid techs with solid experience.
Senior-Level (6-10 years)	$47,000 - $55,000	$22.60 - $26.44	Often leads to lead tech or specialty roles.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$56,000+	$26.92+	Typically requires specialization or management duties.

How Pueblo Compares to Other Colorado Cities:
Pueblo's veterinary tech salaries are on the lower end for Colorado, which makes sense given our smaller metro population (111,081) and lower cost of living. For comparison:

• Colorado Springs: Median around $44,000 (higher cost of living).
• Denver Metro: Median around $48,000 (significantly higher cost of living).
• Fort Collins: Median around $45,000 (higher cost of living, similar market size).

The 10-year job growth for veterinary technicians in our metro area is projected at 20%, which is strong. There are currently about 222 jobs in the metro area for vet techs. This growth is driven by the expansion of existing clinics and the occasional new practice opening, not massive corporate chains, which keeps the market steady rather than explosive.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. Using the median salary of $41,765/year, here’s a breakdown. (Note: These are estimates for a single filer; actual tax rates vary.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $3,480
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$720
• Net (Take-Home) Pay: ~$2,760
• Average 1BR Rent in Pueblo: $881/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$150/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Pueblo): ~$350/month
• Groceries & Essentials: ~$400/month
• Remaining for Savings/Discretionary: ~$979/month

Can you afford to buy a home?
It's tight but possible with careful planning. The median home price in Pueblo hovers around $280,000. On a $41,765 salary, you'd be at the upper edge of what lenders typically approve (usually 3x your annual income, or ~$125,295). This means you'd need a substantial down payment (20%+), excellent credit, and minimal other debt. It's more realistic after a few years of experience and salary growth into the mid or senior level, possibly with dual income. Many local technicians rent in neighborhoods like the North Side or Pueblo West while building savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo's veterinary landscape is a mix of established private practices and a couple of larger regional players. You won't find massive corporate chains like Banfield on every corner; it's a more community-focused market. Here are the key employers:

1. Pueblo Animal Hospital: Located on the city's south side, this is one of the larger full-service practices in town. They handle a high volume of cases, from routine wellness to emergency care. They often have multiple openings for experienced techs and are known for investing in continuing education.
2. Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital (VSEH) on the North Side: This is the primary emergency and specialty referral center for Southern Colorado. They have a 24/7 schedule, which means they hire for all shifts. Pay here trends toward the higher end of the local range, especially for overnight and emergency-trained techs.
3. The Animal Clinic of Pueblo West: Serving the growing suburban community west of I-25, this clinic has a loyal client base. They often look for techs with strong client communication skills, as the community is tight-knit. The commute is easy from most neighborhoods.
4. Pueblo Veterinary Clinic (South Side): A long-standing practice known for large animal work as well as small animal. This is a unique opportunity in the area, as few clinics in the immediate metro handle livestock. It's a great fit for those with a mixed animal interest.
5. Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-P) Veterinary Technology Program: While not a direct employer for technicians, this accredited program is a major pipeline. Graduates often stay local, and the university's teaching hospital sometimes has openings for vet assistants or student techs, providing a foot in the door.
6. Local Shelter & Non-Profit: The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region - Pueblo and Animal Rescue of the Rockies (based in nearby Canon City) sometimes have openings for vet techs to manage spay/neuter clinics and shelter medicine. These roles often offer a different pace and mission-driven work.

Hiring Trend Insight: From what I've seen, hiring is most active in the spring and early summer. Emergency clinics like VSEH hire year-round, but private practices often align their needs with the busy "kitten and puppy season." Networking with local techs at clinics or through the Colorado Association of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (CAVTA) is key, as many jobs are filled through referrals before they're publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado is a state that requires licensure for veterinary technicians. You cannot practice as a credentialed tech without it. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Graduate from an AVMA-Accredited Program: You must complete a two-year (Associate's) or four-year (Bachelor's) program. CSU-P offers an excellent local option. Out-of-state graduates are also accepted if their program is accredited.
2. Pass the VTNE: The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is a must. The exam fee is $300 (as of 2023). You'll need to apply to the state board to get authorization to sit for the exam.
3. Pass the Colorado State Exam: Colorado also requires its own jurisprudence exam. The fee is $46. This focuses on state laws and regulations specific to veterinary medicine in Colorado.
4. Apply for Licensure: Submit your application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Division of Professions and Occupations. The application fee is $92. You'll need to provide transcripts, VTNE scores, and proof of graduation.
5. Maintain Your License: Colorado requires 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew your license. Renewal fees are $92.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: Immediate.
• Complete program: 2 years (full-time).
• Schedule and take exams: 1-3 months after graduation.
• Receive license: Typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state with a license, Colorado has reciprocity. You'll still need to apply through DORA and may need to take the Colorado state exam, but you won't need to retake the VTNE if you've already passed it.

Best Neighborhoods for Veterinary Technicians

Pueblo is a driving city. While public transit exists, most neighborhoods are best accessed by car. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, balancing commute, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Vet Tech
North Side (Near Downtown)	Urban, historic, walkable to bars/restaurants. 10-15 min to VSEH and most clinics.	$800 - $950	Central location, short commute to major employers. Older buildings, great character.
Pueblo West (Suburban)	Family-oriented, spacious, newer homes. 15-20 min drive to most clinics.	$850 - $1,100	More space for the money. Quiet, safe, and close to the Animal Clinic of Pueblo West.
South Side (Near CSU-P)	College-town feel, mix of students and young professionals. 10-15 min to Pueblo Animal Hospital.	$750 - $900	Affordable, close to the university if you're a student or recent grad. Lively but not chaotic.
Bessemer (West Side)	Working-class, quiet, with a strong community feel. 15-20 min commute.	$700 - $850	Very affordable. A great option if you want to save money and don't mind a slightly longer drive.

Personal Insight: The North Side is a favorite for many young professionals because you can often walk to the Union Depot Historic District for dinner or a drink after your shift. Pueblo West is ideal if you have a dog and want a yard without breaking the bank.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Pueblo isn't a hotspot for exotic specialties like zoo medicine, there are solid paths for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: The most direct path to a higher salary is through specialization. The emergency/specialty hospital (VSEH) pays more for technicians with credentials in Anesthesia (VTS-Anesthesia) or Emergency and Critical Care (VTS-ECCE). Even without a formal specialty, gaining experience in dentistry, radiology, or ultrasonography can lead to lead tech roles. Expect a 10-15% salary premium for these skills locally.
• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder goes from Tech -> Lead Technician (managing other techs, inventory, scheduling) -> Hospital Manager. Some techs also move into sales roles for veterinary distributors (like Henry Schein or Patterson), which cover the Southern Colorado region from a Pueblo base.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 20% job growth projection, the market will remain stable and competitive. The key to long-term growth in Pueblo is versatility. A tech who can handle both small animal and large animal work, or who has strong leadership skills, will be invaluable. Also, consider the teaching track: CSU-P might need adjunct instructors in the future.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pueblo offers a straightforward, affordable path to a veterinary career, but it's not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living (Index 92.4). Your salary goes much further.	Salaries are lower than state and national averages.
Stable job market with a 20% growth rate.	Limited specialty options compared to Denver or Fort Collins.
Tight-knit professional community – you'll know your colleagues.	Requires a car. Public transit isn't practical for daily commutes.
Easy commute from most neighborhoods to clinics.	Cultural and entertainment options are more limited than in larger metros.
Access to outdoor recreation (Lake Pueblo State Park, nearby mountains).	Weather extremes: Hot summers, cold winters, and occasional dust storms.

Final Recommendation:
Pueblo is an excellent choice if you prioritize affordability and work-life balance over a high starting salary. It's ideal for a vet tech who wants a slower pace, a true sense of community, and the ability to save money or even buy a home. If you're ambitious about specializing in a niche field and want the buzz of a larger city, you might find the options limiting in the long run.

For the right person—someone who values community, doesn't mind driving, and wants to build a stable life—Pueblo is a hidden gem for veterinary technicians.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new graduates in Pueblo?
It's moderately competitive. There are limited openings compared to a big city, but the 20% growth means positions do open up. Having your Colorado license ready before you apply is crucial. Networking through your school's alumni or local CAVTA meetings can give you an edge.

2. Is it common for clinics in Pueblo to offer benefits like health insurance and paid CE?
Yes, most established full-service clinics (like Pueblo Animal Hospital or VSEH) offer standard benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans (like a 401k), and a stipend for continuing education. Smaller or rural clinics might offer more limited benefits, so it's a key question to ask in an interview.

3. What's the typical schedule like?
It varies. Private practices usually operate Monday-Friday with some Saturday morning hours. Emergency clinics like VSEH require 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Many clinics offer a mix of 8-hour and 10-hour shifts to provide flexibility.

4. Can I work as a vet assistant in Pueblo without a license?
Yes. Colorado does not require a license for veterinary assistants. However, the scope of practice is limited, and the pay is significantly lower (often $14-$17/hour). It's a good way to gain experience, but if you want to perform technical procedures independently, you need to become a licensed technician (LVT).

5. How do I find an apartment in Pueblo?
Most locals use sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, or Facebook Marketplace. A great insider tip is to drive around the neighborhoods you're interested in (like the North Side or South Side) and look for "For Rent" signs, as some landlords post there first, especially for older, character-filled buildings. Be prepared to move quickly, as good units at the right price go fast.