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Public HealthTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Veterinarian

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Annual openings

123

Median wage

$130,840

Typical education

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is required.

Growth 2026–2032

+12%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is required.

Credential requirement

You will need a Veterinarian license that includes passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.

Work experience

This can be an entry-level role, though previous experience as a Vet Tech is valued.

Vets can be a generalist (which is often needed in rural communities) or a specialist in areas such as small/large animals, horses, and livestock.
Education loan repayment programs exist for Vets that work in certain parts of the state, such as rural areas where there is a shortage of Vets.
Vets can own their own practice, work for a corporation (such as in livestock production), work for the government, or for non-profit organizations (such as to address animal cruelty)

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Agriculture and Sustainability
  • Animals and Wildlife

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.
  2. Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
  3. Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.
  4. Counsel clients about the deaths of their pets or about euthanasia decisions for their pets.
  5. Euthanize animals.
  6. Train or supervise workers who handle or care for animals.
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