Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Castle Rock, CO: $63.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Castle Rock, CO runs $63.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,807 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Castle Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,083 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Castle Rock, Colorado earn a median hourly rate of $63.37, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This competitive pay reflects the diverse working settings available, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, the hourly rate allows for a respectable income, especially if they seek supplemental per-diem opportunities. The hourly range for veterinarians in Castle Rock varies significantly, from $38.00 for entry-level positions to as high as $98.22 for top earners, illustrating the income potential for those in specialization or with extensive experience. Estimates for hourly pay are derived from annual salary data, ensuring a clear and practical understanding of expected compensation within the local veterinary field.
About the Castle Rock Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.00 | $304.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.64 | $405.10 |
| Median (P50) | $63.37 | $506.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.41 | $635.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.22 | $785.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Castle Rock
Based on $63.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.37/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Castle Rock, CO can expect to earn approximately $131,805 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,041. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Castle Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Castle Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,534.71 | $10,984 | $131,805 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,520.82 | $6,590 | $79,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,013.88 | $4,393 | $52,722 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Castle Rock) | $63.37 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Castle Rock, CO earn a median of $131,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.02% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $133,815.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.37/hr = $79,083/year (purchasing power: $75,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,805/year (purchasing power: $125,528).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Castle Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Castle Rock grew 36.3% from $44.05/hr (2019) to $60.03/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Castle Rock 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinarian in Castle Rock
Part-time veterinarians in Castle Rock, working 24 hours a week, may find themselves bringing home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. While the hourly structures can be appealing, the financial realities differ for these professionals. Per diem veterinarians can command impressive rates, often billing $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, and even more—between $150 and $250 per hour—for specialty relief in areas like surgery or emergency care. The pay discrepancies create a dynamic environment where veterinarians at small animal companion clinics may have different compensation packages compared to those at more corporate practices or universities. Additionally, some professionals opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer a higher pay rate without those perks. Negotiating terms in this context is crucial; understanding market rates in Castle Rock will empower veterinarians to secure compensation aligned with their experience and professional goals.
More salary data for Castle Rock, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Castle Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Castle Rock 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