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 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The State of Colorado requires a Key Occupational License issued by the Division of Racing Events to work in the racing industry in Colorado.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Revenue • Racing Division
- 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 (7)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Veterinarian licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Revenue~Racing Division and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $95,400 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $83,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 5 months |
| Kansas | $102,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $96,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $126,710 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $132,810 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $121,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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
Official website verified
Department of Revenue • Racing Division
1707 Cole Blvd Ste 300, Lakewood, CO, 80401
Phone: 3036192696
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 Revenue / Racing Division. Review agency details at https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy.
How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.