Veterinarian Salary in Colorado: $136,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinarian pay sits at $136,192/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1131. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $129,707 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Centennial ($136,327), Denver ($135,090), Aurora ($132,123).
In 2026, the average median salary for veterinarians in Colorado is projected to be $136,192, which is slightly below the national median of $137,334, reflecting a variance of -0.8%. The highest paying city in the state is Centennial, where salaries may reach up to $143,907, while Loveland represents the lower end at $115,858. This salary gap of $28,049 is influenced by factors such as cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and local market saturation. Colorado has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can affect job opportunities and salary. The state’s growing population and a strong emphasis on animal health contribute to a higher demand for veterinary professionals. The total employment of veterinarians in Colorado is projected at 2,455, with a robust growth rate of 5.56% annually. Cities like Denver, Aurora, Boulder, and Arvada also show promising salaries, with projected figures of $142,601, $139,469, $139,360, and $137,011, respectively. As the pet ownership rates increase and veterinary services diversify, there are promising prospects for individuals entering this field in Colorado. Understanding the regional dynamics will be crucial for aspiring veterinarians considering a career in this state.
Colorado Veterinarian Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $43,712 (lowest entry-level) to $230,068 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado veterinarians earn 0.83% less than the national median ($-1,142/year difference).
Colorado Veterinarian Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinarian salaries in Colorado range from $81,093 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $215,863 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $136,192. The Colorado median is $1,142 below the US national median of $137,334. The average hourly rate is $65.48/hr. Approximately 2,455 veterinarians are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$90,255
2025 BLS Actual
$129,019
2026 Current Est.
$136,192
2019–2027 Growth
+59.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,218 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,785 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,019 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,765 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 42.9% from $90,255 (2019) to $129,019 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,765 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,510 (59.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Loveland | $115,858 |
| Fort Collins | $118,702 |
| Golden | $123,158 |
| Evans | $123,923 |
| Grand Junction | $124,054 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinarians in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinarians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | $143,907 | 105 | $137,054 |
| Denver | $142,601 | 105.782 | $134,806 |
| Greeley | $133,776 | 100.176 | $133,541 |
| Colorado Springs | $133,840 | 100.707 | $132,900 |
| Aurora | $139,469 | 105 | $132,828 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $81,093 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $136,192 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $215,863 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centennial | $143,907 |
| 2 | Denver | $142,601 |
| 3 | Aurora | $139,469 |
| 4 | Boulder | $139,360 |
| 5 | Arvada | $137,011 |
| 6 | Thornton | $135,909 |
| 7 | Westminster | $134,556 |
| 8 | Pueblo | $134,546 |
| 9 | Lakewood | $133,908 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | $133,840 |
| 11 | Greeley | $133,776 |
| 12 | Parker | $132,634 |
| 13 | Erie | $132,394 |
| 14 | Windsor | $132,062 |
| 15 | Castle Rock | $131,807 |
| 16 | Broomfield | $131,765 |
| 17 | Longmont | $131,723 |
| 18 | Englewood | $130,713 |
| 19 | Commerce City | $129,804 |
| 20 | Lafayette | $129,498 |
| 21 | Wheat Ridge | $128,750 |
| 22 | Brighton | $127,546 |
| 23 | Littleton | $127,120 |
| 24 | Fountain | $127,047 |
| 25 | Northglenn | $126,922 |
| 26 | Steamboat Springs | $126,177 |
| 27 | Durango | $125,382 |
| 28 | Louisville | $124,647 |
| 29 | Grand Junction | $124,054 |
| 30 | Evans | $123,923 |
| 31 | Golden | $123,158 |
| 32 | Fort Collins | $118,702 |
| 33 | Loveland | $115,858 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Compare Cities in Colorado
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinarians in Colorado?
How does Colorado veterinarian pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Colorado?
How many veterinarians are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for veterinarians?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinarian compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinarianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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