Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Grand Junction, CO: $59.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Grand Junction, CO runs $59.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,054 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Grand Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,432 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Junction, the veterinarian hourly pay is set at a median of $59.64. This figure represents a competitive wage compared to the national hourly median of $66.03. Such a rate offers flexibility for part-time and per-diem veterinarians working in various environments, including general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. For those employed part-time at around three days per week, this hourly wage translates to significant income without the constraints of full-time schedules. Entry-level veterinarians can expect to earn on the lower end of the spectrum at approximately $31.03, while more experienced professionals can earn as much as $98.28 per hour, reflecting a wide range of opportunities across the field of veterinary medicine in this region. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data and are important indicators of the profession's economic landscape.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.03 | $248.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.79 | $326.31 |
| Median (P50) | $59.64 | $477.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.12 | $608.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.28 | $786.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Junction
Based on $59.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.64/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Junction, CO can expect to earn approximately $124,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,570. With a cost-of-living index of 95.48 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,385.66 | $10,338 | $124,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,431.39 | $6,203 | $74,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $954.26 | $4,135 | $49,622 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Grand Junction) | $59.64 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Grand Junction, CO earn a median of $124,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 7.30% below the Colorado state average of $133,823.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.64/hr = $74,432/year (purchasing power: $77,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,054/year (purchasing power: $129,932).
CoL index: 95.476 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Grand Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Grand Junction grew 10.5% from $51.14/hr (2019) to $56.50/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.96/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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction
Considering earning potential for veterinarians in Grand Junction, a professional working three days a week may bring home a substantial income annually, though still less than their full-time counterparts. In addition, many veterinarians pursue per-diem roles or locum opportunities, commanding rates that can reach $90-$140 per hour in general practices, with specialty relief positions often fetching $150-$250 per hour. This dynamic landscape varies significantly among employer types; for instance, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically represent around 25% of the market and often have standardized pay scales that may differ from independent practices, where negotiation and additional benefits can vary greatly. While higher hourly rates may attract those seeking financial gain, factors such as health insurance and job security are often weighed against the allure of flexible scheduling and rates in relief hiring. For veterinary professionals venturing into Grand Junction's market, understanding these nuances and preparing to negotiate can enhance their professional development and financial success in a rapidly evolving veterinary field.
More salary data for Grand Junction, 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 Grand Junction. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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