How Much Do Vets Make?
Average Salaries of Veterinarians in the United States
Veterinarians are medical professionals who diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals. They work with a variety of animals, ranging from household pets to livestock and exotic animals. As with any profession, a veterinarian’s salary can vary depending on a number of factors, including their level of experience, location, and specialty.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for veterinarians in the United States is $93,830, as of May 2020. This means that half of all veterinarians earn more than this amount, while half earn less.
The lowest 10 percent of earners in this field make less than $60,340 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $162,450 annually. The average hourly wage for veterinarians is $45.12, with the lowest 10 percent making less than $29.00 per hour and the highest 10 percent earning more than $78.00 per hour.
It’s worth noting that salaries can vary widely depending on the specific industry in which a veterinarian works. For example, veterinarians who work in research and development tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in animal shelters or private clinics. Additionally, veterinarians who specialize in certain areas, such as surgery or internal medicine, may earn more than those who practice general veterinary medicine.
Overall, while the median salary for veterinarians in the United States is above the national average, it’s important to consider the individual factors that can impact a veterinarian’s earning potential.
Factors that Affect a Vet’s Salary
While the median annual salary for veterinarians in the United States is around $93,830, this number can vary widely based on a number of different factors. Here are some of the key factors that can impact a veterinarian’s salary:
Experience: As with many professions, a veterinarian’s salary can increase as they gain more experience. Veterinarians who have been practicing for many years and have a large client base may be able to command higher fees than those who are just starting out.
Specialty: Veterinarians who specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery or internal medicine, may be able to earn higher salaries than those who practice general veterinary medicine. This is because specialized veterinarians may have more advanced skills and knowledge, and may be in higher demand.
Location: The geographic location of a veterinarian can also impact their salary. Veterinarians who work in larger cities or in areas with a higher cost of living may be able to command higher fees than those who work in more rural areas. Additionally, the demand for veterinarians can vary depending on the location, which can impact salaries.
Type of employer: Veterinarians who work for themselves, such as those who own their own private practice, may be able to earn more than those who work for a larger organization, such as a veterinary hospital or animal shelter.
Job market: The overall job market for veterinarians can impact their salary as well. If there is high demand for veterinarians and a shortage of qualified candidates, salaries may increase. Conversely, if there are many veterinarians competing for a limited number of jobs, salaries may be lower.
While these factors can impact a veterinarian’s salary, it’s worth noting that each individual’s earnings potential will vary based on their unique situation and circumstances.
Specializations in Veterinary Medicine and their Earning Potential
Veterinary medicine is a diverse field, and there are a number of different specializations that veterinarians can pursue. Here are some of the most common specializations in veterinary medicine and their earning potential:
Surgery: Veterinary surgeons are responsible for performing surgical procedures on animals. This can include everything from routine procedures like spaying and neutering, to more complex surgeries like orthopedic procedures. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), veterinary surgeons can earn an average of $225,000 per year.
Internal Medicine: Veterinarians who specialize in internal medicine are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses that affect the internal organs of animals. This can include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. According to the AVMA, veterinary internists can earn an average of $175,000 per year.
Emergency and Critical Care: Veterinarians who specialize in emergency and critical care are responsible for providing immediate medical care to animals in emergency situations. This can include everything from treating injuries sustained in accidents to providing lifesaving treatment to animals in critical condition. According to the AVMA, veterinarians who specialize in emergency and critical care can earn an average of $160,000 per year.
Dermatology: Veterinary dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in animals. This can include everything from allergies to skin cancer. According to the AVMA, veterinary dermatologists can earn an average of $165,000 per year.
Ophthalmology: Veterinary ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating eye conditions in animals. This can include everything from cataracts to glaucoma. According to the AVMA, veterinary ophthalmologists can earn an average of $200,000 per year.
While these are just a few examples of specializations in veterinary medicine, it’s clear that pursuing a specialization can lead to higher earning potential for veterinarians. However, it’s important to remember that becoming a specialist requires additional education and training, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Geographic Location and its Impact on a Vet’s Income
Where a veterinarian works can have a significant impact on their earning potential. Here are some of the ways that geographic location can affect a vet’s income:
Cost of Living: In general, veterinarians who work in areas with a higher cost of living can expect to earn higher salaries. This is because the cost of living is typically higher in these areas, and employers need to pay their employees enough to cover their living expenses. For example, veterinarians who work in cities like San Francisco or New York can expect to earn higher salaries than those who work in more rural areas.
Demand: The demand for veterinarians can vary depending on the location. In areas where there are more pets and livestock, there may be a higher demand for veterinary services, which can lead to higher salaries. Conversely, in areas where there are fewer animals, there may be less demand for veterinary services, which can lead to lower salaries.
Competition: The number of veterinarians in a given area can also impact salaries. In areas where there are many veterinary clinics and hospitals, there may be more competition for clients, which can lead to lower fees and salaries. In areas where there are fewer veterinary clinics and hospitals, there may be less competition, which can lead to higher fees and salaries.
Industry: The industry in which a veterinarian works can also impact their earning potential. For example, veterinarians who work in research and development tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in animal shelters or private clinics. Additionally, veterinarians who work in specialized areas, such as surgery or internal medicine, may earn more than those who practice general veterinary medicine.
Overall, geographic location is an important factor to consider when thinking about a veterinarian’s earning potential. While there are no hard and fast rules about how location affects salaries, it’s important to be aware of the different factors that can impact earnings in different areas.
Job Outlook for Veterinarians and Future Earnings Potential
The job outlook for veterinarians is generally positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 16% increase in employment from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, which is projected to be 4% over the same period.
One factor contributing to this growth is the increasing importance of pets in people’s lives. Many pet owners consider their pets to be members of the family and are willing to spend money on their care. This has led to an increase in demand for veterinary services, which has in turn led to job growth in the field.
Another factor contributing to job growth is the increasing need for veterinarians in areas like public health, food safety, and research. Veterinarians play an important role in ensuring the safety of the food supply and protecting public health, and there is increasing demand for their expertise in these areas.
As the demand for veterinary services continues to grow, it’s likely that salaries for veterinarians will also increase. However, it’s important to remember that salaries can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, and specialization. Additionally, becoming a veterinarian requires a significant investment of time and money, including four years of veterinary school and the associated costs.
Overall, while the job outlook for veterinarians is positive, it’s important for individuals considering a career in veterinary medicine to carefully consider the earning potential, as well as the educational and financial requirements associated with the profession.
