Veterinarian Salary in Boulder, CO: $139,360 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Boulder, CO earns a median $139,360/year (≈ $67.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $132,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the expected veterinarian salary in 2026 reflects a robust market driven by production-based compensation models where income is often tied to the revenue generated. The median annual salary is projected to reach $139,360, surpassing the national median of $137,334, with a salary range from $88,628 at the 10th percentile to a notable $227,292 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, provide insight into the competitive nature of the profession in Boulder, where the employment of around 180 veterinarians caters to a diverse clientele, including pet owners and specialty animal needs. This favorable earning potential and a growth rate of 5.56% indicate that Boulder remains an appealing option for veterinarians seeking both career advancement and a rewarding professional environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,628 | $42.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,846 | $54.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,360 | $67.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,013 | $83.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,292 | $109.28 |
Median Salary Position
1.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,664 (2026 est.). At $139,360, the local median is 1.48% above the national median of $137,334.
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At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder Veterinarian Pay Compares
Boulder median: $139,360/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $133,872 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $137,334 | +1.48% more |
Veterinarians in Boulder, CO earn a median of $139,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 4.10% above the Colorado state average of $133,872.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,360 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,469 — a 4.94% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,810
2025 BLS Actual
$132,020
2026 Current Est.
$139,360
2019–2027 Growth
+84.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,360 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,109 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 65.4% from $79,810 (2019) to $132,020 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,109 by 2027 — a total increase of $67,299 (84.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $88,628 – $113,846 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,846 – $139,360 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,360 – $173,013 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,013 – $227,292 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Boulder
Navigating the veterinarian pay landscape in Boulder involves understanding the local job market's strength and the cost-of-living dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 105.202, Boulder's expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay when contrasted with salary. Among local employers, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which represent roughly 25% of the market, tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to independent practices. The salary disparity is often tied to factors such as specialty board certification, with roles in surgery or internal medicine commanding higher wages. Additionally, production-based compensation, practice ownership opportunities, and lucrative sign-on bonuses of $50,000 to $150,000 for veterinarians in demand further influence salary variations. To maximize earning potential in Boulder CO, aspiring veterinarians should consider acquiring specialties, seeking employment with corporate practices, and establishing strong networks within the community.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $132,020 for veterinariansin the Boulder metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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