Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $67.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Aurora, CO runs $67.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,469 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the anticipated veterinarian hourly pay for 2026 is projected at $67.05, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $66.03. This figure reflects the diverse roles veterinarians partake in, ranging from general practice exam rooms to specialty referral hospitals, providing a flexible income for those in part-time positions. Part-time veterinarians working three days a week can expect their pay to vary, with experienced professionals earning significantly more than those who are just starting. The range of hourly pay in Aurora also highlights substantial differences, with entry-level veterinarians earning around $38.89, while top earners in the field can garner up to $103.93 per hour, demonstrating the potential for a lucrative career in veterinary medicine within this region.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.89 | $311.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.96 | $407.71 |
| Median (P50) | $67.05 | $536.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.83 | $686.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.93 | $831.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $67.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.05/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $139,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,462. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,682.07 | $11,622 | $139,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,609.24 | $6,973 | $83,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,072.83 | $4,649 | $55,787 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Aurora) | $67.05 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Aurora, CO earn a median of $139,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 4.20% above the Colorado state average of $133,847.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.05/hr = $83,681/year (purchasing power: $79,696).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,468/year (purchasing power: $132,826).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Aurora grew 36.3% from $46.61/hr (2019) to $63.52/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinarian in Aurora
Assessing the earning potential for veterinarians taking a part-time or per-diem approach reveals some interesting dynamics in Aurora. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week might take home around $83,669 annually, while full-time positions can lead to more than $139,469, showcasing the difference in earnings based on hours worked. The reality for per-diem veterinarians is even more promising, with common billing rates in general practices ranging from $90 to $140 per hour; those in specialty roles could command $150 to $250 per hour. Various employer categories, from corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl to independent practices and specialty hospitals, influence hourly rates as well. While some veterinarians may opt for lower pay with the benefits of health insurance, others, especially relief veterinarians, tend to negotiate higher hourly rates with no added perks. Understanding Aurora’s unique job market may empower veterinarians to effectively negotiate their rates based on their specific employment settings and personal priorities.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Aurora?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov