Veterinarian Salary in Colorado
Based on 2K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$130,840
$62.90/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
+4.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $212K
2K employed in Colorado
Veterinarian salary in Colorado averages $130,840 per year, positioning the state approximately 5% above the national average. With around 2,340 veterinarians employed across Colorado, the profession offers competitive compensation in the state's growing animal healthcare sector. Salaries in this field range from $77,710 to $211,930 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence veterinarian salary in Colorado, including years of experience, specialization, and practice setting. Veterinarians working in urban areas or specialized fields such as surgery or emergency medicine typically earn more than those in general practice or rural locations. Employer type—whether private practice, corporate clinic, or government agency—also plays a considerable role in determining compensation levels and benefits packages.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,710 |
| 25th percentile | $102,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,840 |
| 75th percentile | $162,110 |
| 90th percentile | $211,930 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,770 |
| 2023 | $104,150 |
| 2024 | $122,980 |
| 2025 | $130,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,690 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,770 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $104,150 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $122,980 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $130,840 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,690 | $132,441 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $211,930 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Veterinarian ($130,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +163.1% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +129.3% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +103.6% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +103.0% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +50.1% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +27.1% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +19.3% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +16.2% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +9.0% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +5.2% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +3.1% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +2.8% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Colorado?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Colorado is $130,840 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. This is 4.7% higher than the national average for veterinarians.
What is the salary range for vets in Colorado?
- Veterinarian salaries in Colorado range from $77,710 at the lower end to $211,930 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and practice type.
How many veterinarians are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 2,340 veterinarians currently employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial workforce in the veterinary profession across the state.
Is Colorado a good state for veterinarian salaries compared to the US average?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive veterinarian salaries with a median of $130,840, which is 4.7% above the national average, making it an attractive state for veterinary professionals.