Veterinarian Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $128,750 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $128,750/year (≈ $61.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $122,619 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $128,750 in 2026, which is approximately 6.25% lower than the national median of $137,334. This salary reflects a range from $79,501 at the 10th percentile to $199,563 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant drop between entry-level and top-earning positions within the profession. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the local adjustments made for regional cost of living, which is just above the national average. The job market in Wheat Ridge, with only eight veterinarians currently employed, suggests a focused yet competitive environment, particularly for those holding board certifications in specialized areas such as surgery, internal medicine, or emergency critical care.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,501 | $38.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,988 | $49.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,750 | $61.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,281 | $78.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,563 | $95.94 |
Median Salary Position
6.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,062 (2026 est.). At $128,750, the local median is 6.25% below the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge Veterinarian Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $128,750/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $133,836 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | -6.25% less |
Veterinarians in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $128,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $133,836.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,750 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,619 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,494
2025 BLS Actual
$121,969
2026 Current Est.
$128,750
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,047 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,806 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,750 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,909 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $89,494 (2019) to $121,969 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,415 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $79,501 – $103,988 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,988 – $128,750 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,750 – $163,281 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,281 – $199,563 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Wheat Ridge
Analyzing the local job market further, veterinarians in Wheat Ridge face a cost-of-living index of 105, which impacts the effective purchasing power of their salaries. Major employers include corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which comprise about 25% of the market, typically offering higher salaries compared to independent practices. The disparity in veterinarian pay in Wheat Ridge CO can be driven by specialty training and board certifications, as those in specialized fields often earn significantly more than general practitioners. Moreover, production-based pay models, ownership equity, and the allure of sign-on bonuses—ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in high-demand areas—play critical roles in income variation. To maximize their earning potential, veterinarians should focus on obtaining specialty certifications while considering the long-term stability and growth opportunities offered by both corporate and independent practice structures in the region.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 $121,969 for veterinariansin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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