Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $63.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Erie, CO runs $63.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,439 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $63.65 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $66.03, indicating a regional variation in compensation for veterinary professionals. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into significant opportunities, particularly in dynamic settings such as general practice exam rooms or specialty referral hospitals. Entry-level veterinarians can expect to earn around $36.91 per hour, while more experienced practitioners in Erie may achieve top rates of up to $98.66 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting a market that values skilled veterinary care across a range of practice environments, including equine ambulatory visits and university clinics.
About the Erie 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) | $36.91 | $295.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.71 | $397.67 |
| Median (P50) | $63.65 | $509.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.07 | $632.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.66 | $789.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $63.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.65/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $132,398 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,383. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,546.11 | $11,033 | $132,398 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,527.66 | $6,620 | $79,439 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,018.44 | $4,413 | $52,959 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Erie) | $63.65 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Erie, CO earn a median of $132,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $133,867.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.65/hr = $79,439/year (purchasing power: $75,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,398/year (purchasing power: $126,093).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Erie grew 36.3% from $44.24/hr (2019) to $60.30/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.19/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 Erie 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 Erie
Examining the earning potential for a veterinarian working part-time, a 24-hour workweek results in an annual income of approximately $79,188, compared to a full-time veterinarian's earnings. Per diem arrangements are particularly lucrative, with relief veterinarians commonly charging between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, soaring to $150 to $250 per hour for specialty services like surgical or emergency care. The variability in hourly rates among different types of employers in Erie reveals a landscape shaped by corporate practices, independent clinics, and specialty hospitals, where corporate chains may offer lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits. For veterinarians considering various employment options, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits of stable employment against potentially higher pay in per diem or locum roles. Practical negotiation skills can significantly enhance hourly compensation, making it vital for veterinarians to assess both financial and non-financial aspects of their employment offers.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. 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 Erie 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