Veterinarian salary in Boulder, CO
Veterinarians in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $132,020 a year ($63.47 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $83,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $215,320 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $130,100. Pay here is 1% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $130,840. There are 0.94 veterinarians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $140,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for veterinarians in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $83,960 | $40.37 |
| 25th percentile | $107,850 | $51.85 |
| Median | $132,020 | $63.47 |
| 75th percentile | $163,900 | $78.80 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $215,320 | $103.52 |
| Average (mean) | $140,990 | $67.78 |
Half of veterinarians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $11,001.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,500.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,077.69 |
| Weekly | $2,538.85 |
| Hourly | $63.47 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Veterinarian salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $135,090 | 1,160 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $126,790 | 280 |
| Greeley, CO | $126,730 | 100 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $117,520 | 50 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $112,450 | 300 |
Highest-paying states for veterinarians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $163,920 |
| Maryland | $163,170 |
| Washington | $160,510 |
| New Jersey | $160,140 |
| Arizona | $152,020 |
| Massachusetts | $140,260 |
| District of Columbia | $134,530 |
| Illinois | $133,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $133,520 |
| Minnesota | $133,110 |
See Veterinarian pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $103,290 | $49.66 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,430 | $49.24 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $131,620 | $63.28 |
| Dental Hygienist | $130,000 | $62.50 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $138,820 | $66.74 |
| Physician Assistant | $136,540 | $65.64 |
| Occupational Therapist | $123,490 | $59.37 |
| Pharmacist | $164,240 | $78.96 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $297,070 | $142.82 |
| Dentists, General | $180,440 | $86.75 |
| Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $211,600 | $101.73 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $91,880 | $44.17 |
| Chiropractor | $71,840 | $34.54 |
| Physicians, All Other | $453,460 | $218.01 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1131. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinarian make in Boulder, CO?
The median salary for veterinarians in the Boulder, CO metro area is $132,020 a year, or $63.47 an hour. Pay ranges from $83,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $215,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid veterinarians make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of veterinarians in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $215,320 a year. The top 25% earn $163,900 or more.
What is the starting pay for veterinarians in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $83,960 a year, and a quarter of veterinarians earn $107,850 or less.
How many veterinarians work in Boulder, CO?
About 180 veterinarians are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.