Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Littleton, CO: $61.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Littleton, CO runs $61.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,120 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Littleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,277 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Littleton, CO, veterinarians are projected to earn an hourly median pay of $61.12 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This rate is particularly relevant for professionals considering part-time opportunities, as a veterinarian working just three days a week could still achieve a respectable income, depending on the number of patients seen each day and other variables in the practice. For those in per diem roles, the settings may vary widely—from bustling general practice exam rooms and surgical suites to specialty referral hospitals or even equine ambulatory visits. With an hourly pay range starting from $36.47 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $94.73 for top earners (P90), veterinarians in Littleton have diverse opportunities that can cater to different levels of experience and specialization.
About the Littleton 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) | $36.47 | $291.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.43 | $387.45 |
| Median (P50) | $61.12 | $488.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.01 | $624.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.73 | $757.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Littleton
Based on $61.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.12/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Littleton, CO can expect to earn approximately $127,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,343. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Littleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Littleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,444.77 | $10,594 | $127,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,466.86 | $6,356 | $76,277 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $977.91 | $4,238 | $50,851 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Littleton) | $61.12 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Littleton, CO earn a median of $127,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.44% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $133,810.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.12/hr = $76,277/year (purchasing power: $72,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,128/year (purchasing power: $121,074).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Littleton grew 36.3% from $42.48/hr (2019) to $57.90/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.52/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 Littleton 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 Littleton
Considering the earning potential for veterinarians, the part-time workforce in Littleton typically brings home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a veterinarian working part-time for 24 hours a week could expect an annual income that is markedly lower than someone working a full 40-hour week, even with the same hourly rate. Per diem veterinarians often find themselves in a lucrative position, charging between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, with even higher billing rates for specialty relief veterinarians reaching up to $250 per hour. This variation is influenced by the type of practice, with corporate chains often offering lower hourly rates compared to independent practices where negotiation may lead to more favorable compensation, particularly when benefits are not included. In an evolving industry, where large corporate entities are consolidating smaller practices, a veterinarian must balance the appeal of a higher hourly rate against the security and benefits offered by larger employers. Knowledge of industry standards and effective negotiation strategies can help veterinarians secure a competitive hourly pay in Littleton's diverse veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Littleton, 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 Littleton. 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 Littleton 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