Aurora vs Fort Collins: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,469▲ | $118,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.05▲ | $57.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,892▲ | $43,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,995▲ | $82,178 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,520▲ | $145,018 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,177▲ | $172,971 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Aurora and Fort Collins is $20,767 (17.50%). Aurora's median is +1.55% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $135,285,Fort Collins spans $129,259. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($132,828 effective) pays 13.16% more than Fort Collins ($117,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,469/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,177)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,828)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Aurora grew -1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$133,708 (2024) → $132,123 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$87,730 (2019) → $112,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Aurora or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Fort Collins as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov