Veterinarian Salary: How Much Do Vets and Vet Techs Make?
A clear, up-to-date overview of veterinarian and vet tech pay: current medians, ranges, factors that influence earnings (location, specialization, experience), metro vs. non-metro differences, and 10-year job outlook—plus a quick comparison chart for Vets vs. Vet Techs.
If you're considering a career working with animals, you might be wondering: how much do veterinarians and vet techs really earn? Understanding the earning potential and career outlook can help you make an informed decision about your future in animal healthcare.
Education and Qualifications Required
Becoming a veterinarian requires a significant educational commitment, as well as proper certification and licensing. These qualifications not only prepare individuals for the responsibilities of the role but can also influence their earning potential.
Most aspiring veterinarians begin by earning a bachelor's degree, often in biology, animal science, agriculture, or a related field. During undergraduate studies, students are expected to complete a range of science classes, including biology, chemistry, animal anatomy and physiology, and mathematics. Gaining experience working with animals—such as volunteering at animal shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics—can strengthen a candidate's application to veterinary school.
After completing a bachelor's degree, the next step is enrolling in a veterinary medicine program at an accredited veterinary college. This program typically results in earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience. Most veterinary medicine programs take four years to complete, with the final year often focused on clinical rotations.
Once the DVM degree is earned, graduates must obtain a state license to practice. This process usually involves passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and, in most states, a state-specific licensing exam that covers local laws and regulations. Some veterinarians also pursue additional certification in specialized fields, which can further enhance career opportunities and salary prospects.
In summary, the educational path to becoming a veterinarian is rigorous and requires a combination of academic achievement, practical animal experience, and successful completion of licensing exams. Veterinarians with advanced education, specialized certification, or extensive experience may qualify for higher salaries and more competitive positions within the field.
Veterinarian Salary Overview
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in animals. They may work with pets, farm animals, or even wildlife. According to recent data, veterinarian salaries can vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of employer.
- Median Annual Wage (2024): $125,510
- Mean Annual Wage (2023): $136,300
- Salary Range: From around $70,350 (lowest 10%) to over $212,890 (top 10%)
Veterinarians working in certain industries or states can earn even more. For example, states like Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii report some of the highest average salaries for veterinarians, often exceeding $150,000 per year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The median annual wage for veterinarians was $125,510 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $70,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $212,890.
Factors Affecting Veterinarian Salaries
Several factors influence how much a veterinarian can earn:
- Location: Urban and coastal areas tend to offer higher salaries, while rural areas may offer less.
- Industry: Vets working in research, education, or government roles may see different pay scales compared to those in private practice.
- Experience: More experienced veterinarians generally command higher salaries.
- Specialization: Specializing in areas like surgery, dentistry, or exotic animals can increase earning potential.
Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) Salary
Veterinary technicians, often called vet techs, play a crucial role in animal healthcare. They assist veterinarians with exams, procedures, and patient care, performing tasks like collecting samples, running lab tests, and monitoring anesthesia.
While vet techs do not earn as much as veterinarians, the career offers a rewarding entry point into animal medicine.
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $45,980
- Typical Range: $35,000 to $60,000, depending on location and experience
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals' injuries and illnesses. Median annual wage: $45,980.
Geographic Salary Differences
Veterinarian salaries can vary significantly depending on where you work. Geographic factors such as state, region, metropolitan area, and even rural versus urban settings all play a role in determining annual mean wage and employment opportunities.
According to May 2023 national, state, metropolitan, and nonmetropolitan area occupational employment and wage estimates, veterinarians in certain locations earn substantially more than their counterparts elsewhere. State and area data reveal that both the annual mean wage and hourly mean wage can fluctuate based on local demand, cost of living, and the concentration of veterinary jobs.
Top Paying States
Some states offer higher average wages for veterinarians. For example, states like Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii are among the top paying states, with annual mean wages often exceeding $150,000. These states typically have higher costs of living, larger urban populations, and greater demand for veterinary services.
Metropolitan vs. Nonmetropolitan Areas
Location within a state also matters. Veterinarians working in metropolitan areas—large cities and their surrounding suburbs—often command higher salaries than those in nonmetropolitan areas, which are more rural. Top paying metropolitan areas, such as San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA, and New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ–PA, report some of the highest annual mean wages in the country.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA: $183,860
- Santa Rosa, CA: $176,960
- Barnstable Town, MA: $173,190
Nonmetropolitan areas can also offer competitive salaries, especially where there is a high employment per thousand jobs or a high location quotient—meaning veterinarians make up a larger share of the workforce compared to the national average. Some top paying nonmetropolitan areas, such as the Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area and the Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area, report annual mean wages above $140,000.
Other Geographic Factors
- Employment per thousand jobs: Indicates how common veterinarian roles are in a given area.
- Location quotient: Measures the concentration of veterinarians in a specific region relative to the national average. A higher location quotient often signals greater demand and potentially higher wages.
Summary
When considering a veterinary career, it's important to research salary data for your desired state or city. Geographic factors—including whether you work in a metropolitan or nonmetropolitan area, the local cost of living, and the concentration of veterinary jobs—can all influence your earning potential as a veterinarian.
Comparing Veterinarian and Vet Tech Salaries
| Position | Median Annual Salary | Salary Range | Typical Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinarian | $125,510 | $70,350 – $212,890+ | Doctoral / Professional Degree |
| Vet Technician | $45,980 | $35,000 – $60,000 | Associate’s Degree |
Job Outlook
Both veterinarians and vet techs are in high demand. The job outlook for veterinarians is particularly strong, with employment expected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased spending on pet care and advances in veterinary medicine.
Conclusion
A career as a veterinarian or vet tech can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. Veterinarians enjoy high median salaries and strong job growth, while vet techs benefit from steady demand and the opportunity to work closely with animals. Salary potential varies based on experience, location, and specialization, but both roles play vital parts in animal health and welfare.
Related: What Is a Vet Tech? Career Guide to Veterinary Technicians, Vet Tech Week: Celebrating Veterinary Technicians’ Impact, and Unpacking the Vet Tech Salary: What to Expect, Who Earns More, and How to Grow.