Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $59.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Golden, CO runs $59.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,158 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, the projected median hourly rate for veterinarians in 2026 is $59.21, which is below the national median of $66.03. This rate provides a practical perspective for both part-time veterinarians working three days a week and per-diem professionals, who may engage in various environments such as general practice clinics, surgical suites, and even equine ambulatory visits. The hourly pay range here spans from $36.38 at the lower percentiles to $91.77 for the top earners, reflecting the diverse settings and complexities of veterinary work. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, showcasing how the local economy and specific veterinary practice types influence pay.
About the Golden 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) | $36.38 | $291.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.64 | $381.11 |
| Median (P50) | $59.21 | $473.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.31 | $594.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.77 | $734.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $59.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.21/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $123,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,050. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,368.34 | $10,263 | $123,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,421.01 | $6,158 | $73,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $947.34 | $4,105 | $49,262 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Golden) | $59.21 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Golden, CO earn a median of $123,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.32% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $133,867.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.21/hr = $73,892/year (purchasing power: $70,374).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,154/year (purchasing power: $117,289).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Golden grew 36.3% from $41.16/hr (2019) to $56.09/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.50/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 Golden 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 Golden
When examining the financial dynamics for veterinarians in Golden, it becomes clear that working part-time can yield distinct results compared to full-time commitments. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week might take home significantly more annually than one based on a full-time rate, especially given the realities of per-diem rates surpassing $90-$140 per hour at general practices, with specialty relief positions potentially earning upwards of $150-$250. Hourly rates can differ considerably across employer types, from corporate chains to private practices and specialty hospitals, often reflecting the benefits offered—many veterinarians will accept lower pay for the stability of health insurance. This trade-off requires careful consideration, especially for relief veterinarians who must determine whether the flexibility of higher hourly rates justifies the risks of being without benefits. Understanding these nuances is vital for any veterinary professional exploring roles in Golden, CO.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Golden in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Golden?
Are veterinarians in Golden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Golden?
Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Golden?
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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 Golden. 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 Golden 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