Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Pueblo, CO: $64.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Pueblo, CO runs $64.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Pueblo's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,730 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Pueblo, Colorado, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $64.69, which falls slightly below the national median of $66.03. This hourly wage offers a reasonable income for those working part-time, typically three days a week, or for per-diem veterinarians who operate in various settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty hospitals, and more. As entry-level positions might start at approximately $37.52 per hour, the range for top earners could reach up to $100.26. Additionally, the Peaceful environment and community-based practices in Pueblo provide opportunities for veterinarians to establish fulfilling roles while considering flexible working arrangements that can lead to a balanced professional life.
About the Pueblo 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) | $37.52 | $300.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.82 | $398.59 |
| Median (P50) | $64.69 | $517.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.80 | $662.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.26 | $802.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pueblo
Based on $64.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.69/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pueblo, CO can expect to earn approximately $134,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,625. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pueblo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pueblo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,587.49 | $11,212 | $134,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,552.49 | $6,727 | $80,730 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,034.99 | $4,485 | $53,820 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Pueblo) | $64.69 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Pueblo, CO earn a median of $134,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.03% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $133,743.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.69/hr = $80,730/year (purchasing power: $76,885).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,549/year (purchasing power: $128,142).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Pueblo grew 34.9% from $45.43/hr (2019) to $61.28/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.28/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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Part-time veterinarians in Pueblo who work a 24-hour week can expect to earn a viable income, though their annual take-home will markedly differ from full-time counterparts. Typically, relief or locum veterinarians command rates anywhere from $90 to $140 per hour in general practices, while specialists, particularly in surgery or emergency care, often see their hourly earnings rise substantially to between $150 and $250. Variations exist among different employer types, with corporate veterinary clinics and independent practices offering distinct pay scales reflecting their operational philosophies and demands. While some veterinarians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability, others pursuing a higher earning potential without benefits should negotiate smartly, focusing on their specialties and skills. This flexibility in the hourly pay structure reflects the ongoing changes and trends within the veterinary field in Pueblo and across CO.
More salary data for Pueblo, 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 Pueblo. 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 Pueblo 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