Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,702 | $126,177▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.07 | $60.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,712 | $73,183▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,178 | $105,272▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,018 | $154,694▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,971 | $195,574▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Steamboat Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs is $7,475 (6.30%). Steamboat Springs's median is -8.12% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $129,259,Steamboat Springs spans $122,391. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Steamboat Springs ($120,169 effective) pays 2.38% more than Fort Collins ($117,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,177/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,574)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,169)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Fort Collins grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$87,730 (2019) → $112,450 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$122,775 (2024) → $119,531 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Fort Collins or Steamboat Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov