How much does a Veterinarian make?

The average salary for a Veterinarian is $195,089 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 2878 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Veterinarian employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Veterinarian in United States is $262,082 per year.

The lowest salary for a Veterinarian in United States is $147,330 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Veterinarian or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Veterinarian.

Veterinarians often earn six-figure salaries, reflecting extensive demand for their skillset, long hours and the profession’s high barriers to entry. Most veterinarians work full time, including nights or weekends. They may have to respond to emergencies outside of their scheduled hours, since animals can fall ill at any time of day or on holidays. They are often employed by private clinics or hospitals, but some work with laboratories or zoos.

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Veterinarians earn an above average salary in most locations. In addition to your salary, you can increase your pay potential with specialty certifications, such as anesthesia, dentistry and internal medicine. 71% of veterinarians say they're satisfied with the salary they make in this profession.

Veterinarian salaries average $138,903.28 per year in the United States. These professionals tend to earn total compensation of $195,089.21 after bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing programs. Early in your veterinary career, you can expect to earn closer to $114,509.88, while seasoned vets with years of experience can earn up to $338,338.33. Salaries for veterinarians also vary by geographic area.

You can earn more money as a veterinarian by expanding your responsibilities and pursuing continuing education. The American Veterinary Medicine Association recognizes dozens of specialty areas for veterinarians. Some of the most lucrative specialties for veterinarians include ophthalmology, lab animal medicine and pathology. You can set your sights high by becoming a board-certified veterinary surgeon, which is the highest-paid role within this field. Conducting research within veterinary medicine also pays well and could be a smart move if you're interested in working with animals but don't see yourself in private practice.

As you search for a job as a vet, researching salaries for various work environments in your city can inform your negotiations. Since veterinarian jobs pay more in some regions, it's important to seek specific data for the state and county where you plan to work. Based on these numbers, set a target salary as part of your interview preparation process. Then, ask for about more to give yourself room to negotiate. Be sure to emphasize any volunteer work, specialized training and certifications you have earned in your education and career so far.

About 70.75% of Veterinarian professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $56,186 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Veterinarian in United States as a good salary.

Veterinarian professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $114,510 and $338,338 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $195,089 following the average career path of a Veterinarian.