Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary in Evans, CO: $77,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinarians entering the Evans, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,006 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,339 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,923) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evans, Colorado, new graduates entering the veterinary field can expect an entry-level veterinarian salary of around $77,006 in 2026. This figure represents a significant starting point, though it falls noticeably short of the city’s median annual salary of $123,923, highlighting a potential gap that early-career veterinarians may need to navigate. For those in their first three to five years, salaries can increase to the $100,643 mark, reflecting a growth trajectory that many might find promising. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.56%, this market appears favorable for new graduates, as opportunities for advancement and compensation improvement are available within practice settings in the area.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Entry-level veterinarians in Evans, CO typically start between $77,006 and $100,643 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,075 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,923 — 9.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary medicine program cost in Colorado of $210,000 represents just 272.71% of the starting veterinarian pay ($77,006/year) in Evans. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA Council on Education (COE)-accredited DVM program data from AAVMC cost comparison tool and state veterinary college reports. Tuition-only totals for the 4-year DVM curriculum; resident vs. non-resident rates vary substantially.
DVM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level veterinarian pay ranges from $77,006 to $100,643, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary medicine field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evans, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinarian Compensation Range
The veterinarian wage spread in Evans is $115,075 ( 149.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,006, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,081.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,318
2025 BLS Actual
$72,950
2026 Current Est.
$77,006
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,963 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,288 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinarian compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, CO grew 27.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,318 in 2019 to $72,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,288. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary medicine Career in Evans
Several prominent employers in Evans, such as corporate chains like VCA, BluePearl, and NVA, actively recruit recent DVM graduates, often offering structured mentorship programs and appealing sign-on bonuses to enhance new grad veterinarian pay in CO. For those opting for careers in independent practices, the transition to greater autonomy may occur more rapidly, though typically with less formal training. To bolster starting pay, candidates should prioritize earning a DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited institution, passing the NAVLE, and obtaining state licensure. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials through internships and residencies leading to ACVS or ACVIM board certification can significantly elevate earning potential in specialized fields, where income can soar to two or three times that of general practice. With the veterinary profession increasingly influenced by corporate consolidation, aspiring veterinarians should remain mindful of evolving pay scales and partnerships as they chart their career paths in Evans.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary medicine graduates. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans 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 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov