Veterinarian Salary in the United States
Based on 79K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$118,465
$56.954/hr
▲ 5.1% vs 2023Salary Range
$80K – $216K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
79K
workers nationwide
The veterinarian salary in the United States reflects a competitive healthcare profession with a median annual income of $118,465. This figure represents the earnings of approximately 78,940 veterinarians currently employed across the country. Understanding this baseline helps prospective and current veterinarians evaluate compensation relative to education requirements and career expectations in this specialized field.
Veterinarian salary in the United States varies considerably based on several factors, including geographic location, practice setting, and years of experience. Salaries typically range from $79,710 to $215,660 annually, with higher earners often working in specialized practices, research institutions, or high-demand regions. Additionally, factors such as business ownership, clientele type, and advanced certifications significantly influence earning potential throughout a veterinary career.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,710 |
| 25th percentile | $122,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $118,465 |
| 75th percentile | $207,240 |
| 90th percentile | $215,660 |
Veterinarian Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Veterinarian
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $158,950 | +34.2% | 9K |
| 2 | Washington | $155,060 | +30.9% | 2K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $153,200 | +29.3% | 100 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $148,550 | +25.4% | 2K |
| 5 | West Virginia | $134,290 | +13.4% | 390 |
| 6 | Vermont | $134,240 | +13.3% | 340 |
| 7 | Arizona | $132,810 | +12.1% | 1K |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $131,500 | +11.0% | 2K |
| 9 | New York | $131,330 | +10.9% | 3K |
| 10 | Florida | $131,170 | +10.7% | 5K |
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $118,465 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make per year in the United States?
- The median annual salary for veterinarians in the United States is $118,465 per year, which breaks down to approximately $57 per hour. However, salaries vary significantly, ranging from $79,710 at the lower end to $215,660 for top earners.
Which city pays veterinarians the most?
- California offers the highest pay for veterinarians, with a top salary of $158,950 per year. This represents a significant premium compared to the national median of $118,465.
What is the salary range for veterinarians?
- Veterinarian salaries in the U.S. range from $79,710 to $215,660 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. The median falls at $118,465, meaning half of veterinarians earn below this amount and half earn above it.
How many veterinarians are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 78,940 veterinarians employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in the veterinary profession across the country.