Veterinarian Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Veterinarians in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$130,840
per year
Hourly Rate
$62.90
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+1% vs US median
US median $130,100
State Rank
#15 of 49
2,340 employed here

How much does a Veterinarian make in Colorado?

A Veterinarian working in Colorado earns a median salary of $130,840 per year, or about $62.90 per hour. That is 1% above the national median of $130,100 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $77,710 while the top 10% make $211,930 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $102,090 and $162,110 a year.

Veterinarian salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$77,710$37.36
25th percentile (early career)$102,090$49.08
50th percentile (median)$130,840$62.90
75th percentile (experienced)$162,110$77.94
90th percentile (top earners)$211,930$101.89

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 15th out of 49 states and territories for Veterinarian pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$163,920
2Maryland$163,170
3Washington$160,510
4New Jersey$160,140
5Arizona$152,020

Working as a Veterinarian in Colorado

Nationally, about 84,000 people work as Veterinarians in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($130,840) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Veterinarian make in Colorado?
The median Veterinarian salary in Colorado is $130,840 per year, or about $62.90 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $77,710 at the entry level to $211,930 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Veterinarians about 1% more than the national median of $130,100. Colorado ranks 15th out of 49 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Veterinarians?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $130,840 a year. About 2,340 Veterinarians are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Veterinarian salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.