How Veterinarians in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $110,100 | $83,700 | $143,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $136,900 | $104,000 | $178,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $157,400 | $119,600 | $204,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $188,800 | $143,500 | $245,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $214,000 | $162,600 | $278,200 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $158,400 | $120,400 | $206,000 | +1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Veterinarian salary in Colorado is $157,400 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $119,600 and the 75th at $204,600.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +17% above the national Veterinarian median ($134,500). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Veterinarians (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $188,800 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $214,000 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 9th for Veterinarian pay. The highest-paying state pays around $188,300 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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