Fort Collins vs Wheat Ridge: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,702 | $128,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.07 | $61.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,712 | $79,501▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,178 | $103,988▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,018 | $163,281▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,971 | $199,563▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Wheat Ridge, CO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Wheat Ridge is $10,048 (8.46%). Wheat Ridge's median is -6.25% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $129,259,Wheat Ridge spans $120,062. Fort Collins 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, Wheat Ridge ($122,619 effective) pays 4.47% 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 Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,563)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,619)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Fort Collins grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$87,730 (2019) → $112,450 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$125,279 (2024) → $121,969 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Fort Collins or Wheat Ridge?
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Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Wheat Ridge as a veterinarian?
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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