Being a veterinarian is a rewarding career that comes with a variety of financial opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for veterinarians in 2020 was $93,830, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $55,370 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $162,540.
Several factors can make a difference in a veterinarian's salary. These include their level of education, years of experience, location, specialty, and type of practice.
In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at each of these factors and how they can affect a veterinarian's salary.
How Much Do Vets Make?
Veterinary salaries vary widely depending on several factors.
- Education Level: Doctorate required.
- Experience: More experience, higher pay.
- Location: Cost of living affects salary.
- Specialty: Specialized vets earn more.
- Practice Type: Private practice vs. clinic.
- Business Skills: Important for private practice.
- Hours Worked: More hours, more pay.
- Overtime and Emergency Work: Extra pay for extra hours.
Ultimately, how much a vet makes is determined by a combination of these factors.
Education Level: Doctorate required.
To become a veterinarian, one must complete a four-year bachelor's degree followed by a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. The DVM degree is the minimum educational requirement for practicing veterinary medicine in the United States and most other countries.
DVM programs are rigorous and competitive, and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted. Once accepted, students must complete a challenging curriculum that includes coursework in animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and surgery. They also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in a variety of animal hospitals and clinics.
The total cost of obtaining a DVM degree can vary widely depending on the school and whether it is a public or private institution. However, the average cost of tuition and fees for a DVM program is over $40,000 per year for in-state students and over $60,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Despite the high cost of education, veterinary medicine remains a popular career choice. This is because veterinarians are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to be excellent for the foreseeable future.
In addition to the DVM degree, some veterinarians choose to pursue additional education and training in a specialized field, such as surgery, internal medicine, or ophthalmology. This additional training can take several years and can significantly increase a veterinarian's earning potential.
Experience: More experience, higher pay.
As with most professions, veterinarians with more experience typically earn higher salaries. This is because experienced veterinarians have a deeper understanding of animal health and disease, and they are more proficient in performing veterinary procedures.
Veterinarians with more experience also have more opportunities to develop specialized skills and knowledge. For example, a veterinarian who has worked in a small animal practice for several years may develop a particular interest in dermatology or dentistry. This specialized knowledge can lead to higher earnings, as clients are willing to pay more for the services of a veterinarian with specialized skills.
In addition, experienced veterinarians are more likely to be in leadership positions, such as hospital manager or clinic director. These positions typically come with higher salaries and more responsibility.
Here are some examples of how experience can affect a veterinarian's salary:
- A veterinarian with less than five years of experience may earn an average salary of $70,000 per year.
- A veterinarian with five to ten years of experience may earn an average salary of $80,000 per year.
- A veterinarian with more than ten years of experience may earn an average salary of $90,000 per year.
Of course, these are just averages. A veterinarian's salary can also be affected by other factors, such as their location, specialty, and type of practice.
Location: Cost of living affects salary.
The cost of living in a particular area can have a significant impact on a veterinarian's salary. Veterinarians who live in areas with a high cost of living, such as New York City or San Francisco, typically earn higher salaries than veterinarians who live in areas with a lower cost of living, such as rural Iowa or Kansas.
This is because veterinarians need to earn enough money to cover their living expenses, which can be higher in areas with a high cost of living. For example, a veterinarian who lives in New York City may need to earn a salary of $100,000 per year to cover their living expenses, while a veterinarian who lives in rural Iowa may only need to earn a salary of $70,000 per year to cover their living expenses.
The cost of living in an area can also affect the demand for veterinary services. In areas with a high cost of living, there may be more people who are willing and able to pay for veterinary care. This can lead to higher salaries for veterinarians in these areas.
Here are some examples of how the cost of living can affect a veterinarian's salary:
- A veterinarian who lives in New York City may earn an average salary of $100,000 per year.
- A veterinarian who lives in San Francisco may earn an average salary of $90,000 per year.
- A veterinarian who lives in Los Angeles may earn an average salary of $85,000 per year.
- A veterinarian who lives in Chicago may earn an average salary of $80,000 per year.
- A veterinarian who lives in Dallas may earn an average salary of $75,000 per year.
Of course, these are just averages. A veterinarian's salary can also be affected by other factors, such as their experience, specialty, and type of practice.
Specialty: Specialized vets earn more.
Veterinarians who specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine can earn higher salaries than general practitioners. This is because specialized veterinarians have a deeper understanding of the medical conditions and treatments related to their specialty.
- Small animal veterinarians: These veterinarians provide care for small animals, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. They may specialize in a particular area of small animal medicine, such as surgery, internal medicine, or dermatology.
Average salary: $90,000 per year
- Large animal veterinarians: These veterinarians provide care for large animals, such as horses, cows, and pigs. They may specialize in a particular area of large animal medicine, such as surgery, reproduction, or nutrition.
Average salary: $100,000 per year
- Exotic animal veterinarians: These veterinarians provide care for exotic animals, such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They may specialize in a particular area of exotic animal medicine, such as surgery, internal medicine, or dermatology.
Average salary: $95,000 per year
- Laboratory animal veterinarians: These veterinarians provide care for animals used in research and testing. They may specialize in a particular area of laboratory animal medicine, such as genetics, nutrition, or toxicology.
Average salary: $85,000 per year
Of course, these are just averages. A veterinarian's salary can also be affected by other factors, such as their experience, location, and type of practice.
Practice Type: Private practice vs. clinic.
Veterinarians can work in a variety of practice types, including private practice, animal hospitals, and government agencies. The type of practice a veterinarian works in can affect their salary.
- Private practice: Veterinarians who own and operate their own practice typically earn higher salaries than veterinarians who work for someone else. This is because private practice veterinarians have more control over their schedules and fees. However, private practice veterinarians also have more expenses, such as rent, utilities, and equipment costs.
Average salary: $100,000 per year
- Animal hospitals: Veterinarians who work in animal hospitals typically earn lower salaries than veterinarians who own their own practice. This is because animal hospitals are typically owned by corporations or groups of veterinarians, and these entities take a cut of the profits. However, veterinarians who work in animal hospitals may have more regular hours and benefits than veterinarians who own their own practice.
Average salary: $85,000 per year
- Government agencies: Veterinarians who work for government agencies, such as the USDA or the CDC, typically earn lower salaries than veterinarians who work in private practice or animal hospitals. However, government veterinarians may have more job security and benefits than veterinarians who work in the private sector.
Average salary: $75,000 per year
- Other practice types: Some veterinarians work in other practice types, such as research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or animal welfare organizations. The salaries of veterinarians in these practice types can vary widely depending on the specific organization and the veterinarian's experience and qualifications.
Average salary: $70,000 to $120,000 per year
Of course, these are just averages. A veterinarian's salary can also be affected by other factors, such as their location, specialty, and experience.
Business Skills: Important for private practice.
Veterinarians who own and operate their own private practice need to have strong business skills in addition to their veterinary skills. This is because private practice veterinarians are responsible for all aspects of running their business, including marketing, finance, and human resources.
Veterinarians who lack business skills may struggle to make their practice successful. This can lead to lower salaries and even financial ruin.
Some of the most important business skills for private practice veterinarians include:
- Marketing: Veterinarians need to be able to market their practice to potential clients. This includes developing a marketing plan, creating marketing materials, and promoting the practice online and in the community.
- Finance: Veterinarians need to be able to manage the finances of their practice. This includes tracking income and expenses, paying bills, and filing taxes.
- Human resources: Veterinarians who employ other staff members need to be able to manage those employees. This includes hiring, firing, and training employees, as well as creating and enforcing company policies.
Veterinarians who want to own and operate their own private practice should consider getting some business training before they start their practice. This training can help them develop the skills they need to be successful.
Even veterinarians who do not own their own practice can benefit from having business skills. For example, veterinarians who work in animal hospitals may be able to increase their salary by taking on additional responsibilities, such as marketing or management.
Hours Worked: More hours, more pay.
Veterinarians who work more hours typically earn higher salaries than veterinarians who work fewer hours. This is because veterinarians are paid by the hour, so the more hours they work, the more money they make.
However, there is a limit to how many hours a veterinarian can work in a week. Most veterinarians work between 40 and 50 hours per week. Veterinarians who work more than 50 hours per week may start to experience burnout and may be more likely to make mistakes.
Some veterinarians choose to work overtime or on weekends to earn extra money. This can be a good way to boost your salary, but it is important to make sure that you are not working too many hours and that you are taking care of your own health and well-being.
Here are some examples of how the number of hours worked can affect a veterinarian's salary:
- A veterinarian who works 40 hours per week may earn an average salary of $80,000 per year.
- A veterinarian who works 50 hours per week may earn an average salary of $90,000 per year.
- A veterinarian who works 60 hours per week may earn an average salary of $100,000 per year.
Of course, these are just averages. A veterinarian's salary can also be affected by other factors, such as their location, specialty, and type of practice.
Overtime and Emergency Work: Extra pay for extra hours.
Veterinarians who work overtime or on weekends may be eligible for extra pay. This is because many veterinary practices pay their employees time and a half or double time for hours worked outside of regular business hours.
Veterinarians who are on call for emergencies may also be eligible for extra pay. This is because veterinarians who are on call are required to be available to respond to emergencies at all times, even if they are not at work.
The amount of extra pay that a veterinarian receives for overtime or emergency work can vary depending on the practice's policy and the veterinarian's contract.
Here are some examples of how overtime and emergency work can affect a veterinarian's salary:
- A veterinarian who works 10 hours of overtime per week may earn an extra $2,000 per month.
- A veterinarian who works 5 weekend shifts per month may earn an extra $1,000 per month.
- A veterinarian who is on call for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week may earn an extra $500 per month.
Of course, these are just examples. The amount of extra pay that a veterinarian receives for overtime or emergency work can vary widely depending on the specific practice and the veterinarian's contract.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how much vets make:
Question 1: What is the average salary for a veterinarian?
Answer: The median annual wage for veterinarians in the United States was $93,830 in 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $55,370 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $162,540.
Question 2: What factors affect a veterinarian's salary?
Answer: Several factors can affect a veterinarian's salary, including their level of education, years of experience, location, specialty, and type of practice.
Question 3: How can I increase my salary as a veterinarian?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to increase your salary as a veterinarian, such as gaining more experience, specializing in a particular area of veterinary medicine, working in a private practice, working overtime or on weekends, and being on call for emergencies.
Question 4: What are the highest-paying veterinary specialties?
Answer: Some of the highest-paying veterinary specialties include surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, and cardiology.
Question 5: What is the job outlook for veterinarians?
Answer: The job outlook for veterinarians is expected to be excellent for the foreseeable future. This is because the demand for veterinary services is expected to grow as the population of pets continues to increase.
Question 6: What are the educational requirements to become a veterinarian?
Answer: To become a veterinarian, one must complete a four-year bachelor's degree followed by a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
Question 7: How much does it cost to become a veterinarian?
Answer: The total cost of obtaining a DVM degree can vary widely depending on the school and whether it is a public or private institution. However, the average cost of tuition and fees for a DVM program is over $40,000 per year for in-state students and over $60,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how much vets make. If you have any other questions, please feel free to consult with a veterinarian or a career counselor.
Now that you know more about how much vets make, you can start planning your career as a veterinarian.
Tips
Here are a few tips for increasing your salary as a veterinarian:
Tip 1: Gain more experience.
The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers. You can gain experience by working in a veterinary clinic or hospital, volunteering at a local animal shelter, or shadowing a veterinarian.
Tip 2: Specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine.
Veterinarians who specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, internal medicine, or ophthalmology, can earn higher salaries than general practitioners. However, it is important to choose a specialty that you are passionate about and that you are good at.
Tip 3: Work in a private practice.
Veterinarians who own and operate their own private practice typically earn higher salaries than veterinarians who work for someone else. However, private practice veterinarians also have more expenses, such as rent, utilities, and equipment costs.
Tip 4: Work overtime or on weekends.
Veterinarians who work overtime or on weekends may be eligible for extra pay. This is because many veterinary practices pay their employees time and a half or double time for hours worked outside of regular business hours.
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By following these tips, you can increase your salary as a veterinarian and enjoy a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.
Now that you know how to increase your salary as a veterinarian, you can start planning your career and working towards your financial goals.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors that can affect how much a vet makes. However, the most important factors are education, experience, and specialization.
If you want to become a veterinarian and earn a high salary, you need to be prepared to invest in your education and training. You also need to be willing to work hard and gain experience in a variety of settings.
The job outlook for veterinarians is expected to be excellent for the foreseeable future. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities for veterinarians to find jobs and earn good salaries.
If you are passionate about animals and you want to help them live long and healthy lives, then a career as a veterinarian may be the perfect choice for you.
Closing Message
No matter what your career goals are, it is important to do your research and plan ahead. By understanding the factors that affect veterinarian salaries, you can make informed decisions about your education, training, and career path.