Veterinarian Salary in Fountain, CO: $127,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Fountain, CO earns a median $127,047/year (≈ $61.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Fountain's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $120,997 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual veterinarian salary in Fountain of $127,047 for 2026, compensation in this region reflects the production-based compensation model that is prevalent in the industry. Veterinarians in Fountain can expect salaries ranging from $75,700 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $196,922 (P90) for those who excel and generate substantial revenue for their practices. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. As corporate consolidation continues to grow in the veterinary field, this competitive salary structure highlights the importance of specialization and production when it comes to maximizing earnings in the Fountain job market.
About the Fountain Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,700 | $36.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,581 | $48.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,047 | $61.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,890 | $77.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,922 | $94.68 |
Median Salary Position
7.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fountain
In Fountain, CO, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,222 (2026 est.). At $127,047, the local median is 7.49% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fountain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fountain Veterinarian Pay Compares
Fountain median: $127,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fountain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $133,874 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -7.49% less |
Veterinarians in Fountain, CO earn a median of $127,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.49% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $133,874.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fountain has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fountain, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,047 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,997 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,310
2025 BLS Actual
$120,355
2026 Current Est.
$127,047
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fountain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,816 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,852 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,525 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,111 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fountain metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $88,310 (2019) to $120,355 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,111 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,801 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fountain 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,700 – $100,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,581 – $127,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,047 – $161,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,890 – $196,922 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Fountain
The local job market for veterinarians in Fountain demonstrates moderate strength, with only four veterinarians employed in the area. The cost of living, indicated by a CoL index of 105, suggests that while salaries might be slightly lower compared to national averages, purchasing power may be more limited. Among local employers, corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl offer competitive pay, often outpacing independent practices, particularly for new graduates drawn by attractive sign-on bonuses that can range from $50,000 to $150,000 in high-demand areas. This disparity in pay can also be influenced by various factors such as specialty board certification in fields like surgery or internal medicine, which generally attracts higher compensation. For veterinarians aiming to enhance their earnings in Fountain, pursuing specialization, understanding the nuances of production-based pay, and weighing corporate opportunities against independent practices can provide a strategic advantage.
More salary data for Fountain, 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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,355 for veterinariansin the Fountain metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fountain 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