Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$122,980 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of 122,980, Veterinarians in Colorado earn 2% below the national median of $125,510. Colorado ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$122,980Hourly estimate
$59.132% below national median
Difference: -$2,530
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#25 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 158,950 |
| #2 | Washington | 155,060 |
| #3 | New Jersey | 148,550 |
| #4 | West Virginia | 134,290 |
| #5 | Vermont | 134,240 |
Nearby States Comparison
Veterinarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $122,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $95,400 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $83,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $102,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $96,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $126,710 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $132,810 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $121,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $69,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,770 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Veterinarians in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.
What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Colorado is 122,980. Salaries range from $71,440 (10th percentile) to $192,450 (90th percentile).
How does the Veterinarian salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in Colorado earn 2% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of 122,980.
How many Veterinarians work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 2,380 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine. Review agency details at https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy.