Veterinarian Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals. They perform surgeries, prescribe medications, vaccinate animals, and advise owners on proper care. Veterinarians work in private practices, animal hospitals, research facilities, and government agencies, caring for pets, livestock, and wildlife.
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level
Veterinarian Salary by State (Top 10)
Veterinarian Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)
How to Become a Veterinarian
Becoming a veterinarian requires earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school. Admission to veterinary school is competitive and typically requires a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and animal science. Most successful applicants also have significant animal experience.
Veterinary school is a four-year program covering animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, and clinical rotations across species including small animals, large animals, exotic animals, and wildlife. Clinical rotations in the final one to two years provide hands-on experience in diagnosis and treatment.
After graduating, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become licensed. Each state has additional licensing requirements that may include a state-specific exam or jurisprudence exam. DEA registration is required to prescribe controlled substances.
Many veterinarians pursue additional training through internships and residencies in specialties such as surgery, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, cardiology, or emergency/critical care. Board certification in a specialty through the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) requires completing a residency and passing specialty board exams.
Job Outlook for Veterinarians
19% growth — Much faster than averageThe job outlook for veterinarians is excellent, with 19% growth projected from 2022 to 2032. This strong growth is driven by increasing pet ownership, a growing willingness of pet owners to spend on veterinary care, and the expanding role of veterinarians in food safety, public health, and biomedical research.
The companion animal sector is the largest employer of veterinarians, and the demand for veterinary services continues to outpace the supply of new graduates. This shortage is leading to rising salaries, signing bonuses, and student loan repayment assistance at many practices.
Veterinarians who specialize in emergency and critical care, surgery, or internal medicine can command higher salaries. Rural food animal veterinarians are also in high demand, and the USDA offers loan repayment programs for veterinarians who serve in underserved areas. The growing fields of telemedicine and corporate veterinary practice are also reshaping the profession.