Veterinarian
A Veterinarian earns a median salary of $119,100 per year in the United States, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.
$119,100
Median Salary
$127,437
Mean Salary
88,700
Total Employment
19%
Job Growth
Much faster than average
Doctoral or professional degree
Education
19,514
Openings/Year
Figures on this page are modeled estimates built from public BLS and NCES occupational and institutional categories, not official government reporting. Use them as directional guidance, not exact figures.
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $71,460
25th Percentile $92,898
Median $119,100
75th Percentile $152,448
90th Percentile $200,088
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 9,834
Florida 6,229
Texas 5,699
New York 4,165
Georgia 3,954
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $246,084 |
| 2 | California | $187,403 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $183,334 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $176,991 |
| 5 | New York | $175,363 |
| 6 | Alaska | $173,533 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $168,019 |
| 8 | Oregon | $156,956 |
| 9 | Washington | $156,227 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $155,411 |
| 11 | New Hampshire | $152,166 |
| 12 | Maryland | $148,058 |
| 13 | Delaware | $143,076 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $139,843 |
| 15 | Arizona | $132,945 |
| 16 | Rhode Island | $132,101 |
| 17 | Florida | $130,498 |
| 18 | Vermont | $128,900 |
| 19 | Maine | $128,380 |
| 20 | South Carolina | $126,265 |
| 21 | North Dakota | $126,145 |
| 22 | Colorado | $125,967 |
| 23 | Nevada | $124,224 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $123,719 |
| 25 | Michigan | $120,898 |
| 26 | Idaho | $120,186 |
| 27 | Indiana | $119,239 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $117,498 |
| 29 | Virginia | $116,963 |
| 30 | Utah | $116,550 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | $116,362 |
| 32 | Tennessee | $115,556 |
| 33 | Illinois | $114,244 |
| 34 | New Mexico | $113,495 |
| 35 | Kansas | $112,343 |
| 36 | Louisiana | $111,746 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $111,034 |
| 38 | Texas | $110,551 |
| 39 | Kentucky | $108,232 |
| 40 | Pennsylvania | $105,391 |
| 41 | Nebraska | $104,520 |
| 42 | Montana | $103,654 |
| 43 | Georgia | $101,600 |
| 44 | Ohio | $100,884 |
| 45 | Missouri | $100,151 |
| 46 | West Virginia | $99,555 |
| 47 | Alabama | $99,531 |
| 48 | Iowa | $97,791 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $95,928 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $94,380 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $91,664 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Veterinarian?
The median salary for a Veterinarian is $119,100 per year nationally. Salaries range from $71,460 (10th percentile) to $200,088 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Veterinarian?
A Veterinarian typically requires a doctoral or professional degree.
What is the job outlook for Veterinarians?
Employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 19%, described as much faster than average. About 19,514 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Veterinarians the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for veterinarians at $246,084 per year.