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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Veterinarian in Colorado is $123,678 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, an Associate Veterinarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Associate Veterinarian Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $130,447 | $10,871 | $2,509 | $63 |
| Average | $123,678 | $10,306 | $2,378 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,785 | $9,315 | $2,150 | $54 |
MBC Talent Connections - Longmont, CO
Chewy - Littleton, CO
Clover Basin Animal Hospital - Longmont, CO
VCA Animal Hospitals - Denver, CO
An Associate Veterinarian's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Veterinarian's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Associate Veterinarian | $117,576 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Veterinarian | $118,510 |
| Senior Level Associate Veterinarian | $120,004 |
| Specialist Level Associate Veterinarian | $121,873 |
| Expert Level Associate Veterinarian | $124,176 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Veterinarians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Associate Veterinarian roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Associate Veterinarian positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Veterinarian as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $197,884 | $95.0 | 60% |
| Healthcare | $173,149 | $83.0 | 40% |
| MFG Durable | $148,413 | $71.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Associate Veterinarian's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $130,447 | $10,871 | $2,509 | $63 |
| Average | $123,678 | $10,306 | $2,378 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,785 | $9,315 | $2,150 | $54 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Veterinarian job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
National Veterinary Associates Careers
Westminster, CO
National Veterinary Associates Careers | Westminster, CO
Adams County Animal Hospital | Westminster, ColoradoAdvancing pet care. Empowering pet people.At Adams County Animal Hospital, we offer the variety of urge... more
7 Days Ago
Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital
Littleton, CO
Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital | Littleton, CO
Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital is eager to welcome an Associate DVM to our team. We're located in Centennial, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, about 17 ... more
8 Days Ago
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment
Denver, CO
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment | Denver, CO
Introduction A small animal hospital in South Denver, Colorado is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian to join a growing, veterinarian-led practice. ... more
8 Days Ago
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment
Aurora, CO
Tempus Veterinary Recruitment | Aurora, CO
Introduction A modern, fast-growing veterinary hospital in Denver, Colorado is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join its collaborative team. This pract... more
8 Days Ago
National Veterinary Association
Westminster, CO
National Veterinary Association | Westminster, CO
Job Opportunity. City: Westminster. State: Colorado. Hospital Name: Adams County Animal Hospital. Job Type: Veterinarian - General Practice. Employment Typ... more
8 Days Ago
Thrive Pet Healthcare
Fruita, CO
Thrive Pet Healthcare | Fruita, CO
Description. Associate veterinarian –. Fruita, CO. (. Grand Junction/Western Slope. ). $110. 000 - $14. 0. 000 Base Salary +. Production. No Negative Accru... more
8 Days Ago
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