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Veterinarian salary
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals.
Median annual
$125,000
Median hourly
$60
Top 10% earn
$200,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$78,000
Median$125,000
Top 10%$200,000
Veterinarian salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $85,500 | $41 | -32% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $107,700 | $52 | -14% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $136,800 | $66 | +9% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $180,100 | $87 | +44% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified veterinarians, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and state license.
Job outlook
19% growth through 2033 — pet ownership continues to climb.
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