Though the salaries of veterinarians seem low in comparison to the cost and trials of education when you're first starting out, potential veterinarians have much to look forward to later in salary and in employment opportunities. The industry is growing quickly with more jobs available and greater need for veterinary services.
Veterinary Education
To become a veterinarian, you need to graduate from an accredited four-year veterinary school program. Though an undergraduate degree is not required for acceptance into vet school, most applicants have an undergraduate degree because competition is so stiff. Some choose to complete an internship after vet school to gain more experience.
Licensure
A license is required to practice veterinary medicine in all states. Though all states require a D.V.M. or V.M.D degree and a passing score on the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, additional requirements vary by state. Some federal agency and state government jobs are exempt from state requirements, but these positions are an exception.
Employment Opportunities
There is already a need for more veterinarians, and the field is expected to grow 35 percent between 2006 and 2016. More vets of all types are needed as more pet owners are using veterinary services. Vets are also needed in rural areas as large-animal practitioners.
Small Animal Vet Earnings
The average starting salary of a practitioner who works exclusively with small animals was $64,744 in 2008, with practitioners who have a predominantly small animal practice having earned a starting average of $61,753. Mixed animal practitioners (both large and small animals) started at an average of $58,522.
Large Animal Vet Earnings
Starting veterinarians who work exclusively with large animals had the highest average earnings of all starting veterinarians at $62,424 in 2008. Those who work predominantly with large animals earned less at $57,745. The ones with the lowest average starting salary, however, were exclusively equine veterinarians at $41,636.
Average Veterinarian Salary
The average salary of a veterinarian in private practice was $91,000 before taxes in 2007. Those in public or corporate industries (including those working for universities and for governments) earned an average of $103,000 in 2007.
Tags: Animal Earnings, average starting, average starting salary, exclusively with, large animals