Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Veterinarian Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median veterinarian salary in Denver, CO is $117,716 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$117,716
vs State Avg
+$7,228
vs National
+$14,456
Cost of Living
112%

Veterinarian Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median veterinarian salary of $117,716, which is $7,228 above the Colorado state average of $110,488. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $117,716 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $105,104. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinarians in Denver spans from $74,328 at the 10th percentile to $198,588 at the 90th percentile — a $124,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,520, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,700. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinarian Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $77,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,520
+$9,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,700
+$14,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,700
+$21,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $74,328
25th Percentile $91,656
Median (50th) $117,716
75th Percentile $153,216
90th Percentile $198,588

Veterinarian Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$134,238
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$111,521
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$110,488
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$105,325
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Veterinarian in Denver

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Denver

Browse open veterinarian positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Denver

How much does a Veterinarian make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Denver, Colorado is $117,716 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $74,328 (10th percentile) to $198,588 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,716, a veterinarian in Denver earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Denver's median veterinarian salary of $117,716 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $110,488. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $117,716 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Denver? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Denver require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.