Veterinarian Salary 2025: Median $130,100, Career Outlook & How to Become One
Veterinarians earn a median salary of $130,100 per year, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $63 an hour. The top 10% pull in over $215,700, while the bottom 10% make about $73,920. With 83,900 vets employed nationwide and a projected growth rate of 9.6% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than average—this is a strong career for animal lovers willing to commit to extensive schooling.
How much Veterinarians earn
The national median salary for veterinarians is $130,100. The mean annual wage is $142,680, meaning higher earners push the average up. Entry-level vets (10th percentile) start around $73,920, while experienced vets in the top 10th percentile earn $215,700 or more. Pay varies by setting: corporate clinics often pay more than private practice, and specialization like surgery or oncology boosts income significantly.
- Median annual wage: $130,100
- Mean annual wage: $142,680
- Entry-level (10th percentile): $73,920
- Experienced (90th percentile): $215,700
Pay by state
Where you practice has a big impact on your paycheck. The highest-paying states are California ($163,920), Maryland ($163,170), Washington ($160,510), New Jersey ($160,140), and Arizona ($152,020). On the lower end, Oklahoma ($98,090), Wyoming ($97,240), and South Dakota ($88,650) trail the pack. Cost of living matters, too—California's high salaries come with steep housing costs, while South Dakota's low wage may still be comfortable in a cheaper area.
How to become a Veterinarian
Becoming a veterinarian requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited school, which typically takes four years after a bachelor's degree. Prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and often animal science. Admission is competitive—strong grades, GRE scores, and veterinary or animal experience help. After earning the DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet state-specific licensing requirements. Many new vets complete a one-year internship before entering practice.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (pre-vet or related field)
- Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program (4 years)
- Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
- Obtain state licensure
- Consider a one-year internship for hands-on experience
Job outlook
The BLS projects 9.6% employment growth for veterinarians from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,000 openings per year are expected, largely due to pet ownership and spending on animal healthcare rising. Specialized vets—especially those in food animal medicine, equine practice, or emergency care—may find even better prospects. Rural areas often have unmet demand, which can mean quicker hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a veterinarian?
The median annual salary is $130,100. The mean is $142,680.
How long does it take to become a veterinarian?
Typically 8 years: a 4-year bachelor's degree plus 4 years of veterinary school. Add a 1-year internship if desired.
Is being a veterinarian a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9.6% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 3,000 job openings yearly.
Which state pays veterinarians the most?
California tops the list at $163,920, followed closely by Maryland ($163,170) and Washington ($160,510).
What is the starting salary for a veterinarian?
Entry-level vets (10th percentile) earn around $73,920 annually.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Veterinarians data.