Veterinarian Salary in the United States
Based on 84K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$124,944
$60.07/hr
▲ 5.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$72K – $205K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
84K
workers nationwide
The Veterinarian salary in the United States shows a median annual earning of $124,944, equating to approximately $60 per hour. This figure provides a benchmark for professionals in this essential field, reflecting the compensation for those dedicated to animal health and welfare across the nation.
Several factors influence a veterinarian's income. These include geographic location, with states like California offering significantly higher salaries, experience level, with more seasoned professionals typically earning more, and the specific type of practice, such as private clinics versus large animal hospitals or specialized veterinary services.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,338 |
| 25th percentile | $100,106 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,944 |
| 75th percentile | $157,029 |
| 90th percentile | $204,956 |
Veterinarian Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Veterinarian
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $163,920 | +31.2% | 9K |
| 2 | Maryland | $163,170 | +30.6% | 1K |
| 3 | Washington | $160,510 | +28.5% | 2K |
| 4 | New Jersey | $160,140 | +28.2% | 2K |
| 5 | Arizona | $152,020 | +21.7% | 2K |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $140,260 | +12.3% | 2K |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $134,530 | +7.7% | 190 |
| 8 | Illinois | $133,580 | +6.9% | 2K |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $133,520 | +6.9% | 3K |
| 10 | Minnesota | $133,110 | +6.5% | 2K |
Veterinarian Salary by Industry
How much Veterinarians earn across industries nationwide — Manufacturing pays the most ($185,480 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturing | $185,480 | +48.5% | 140 |
| 2 | Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | +28.5% | 490 |
| 3 | Retail Trade | $150,920 | +20.8% | 640 |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | +17.6% | — |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | +16.8% | 70 |
| 6 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $138,690 | +11.0% | 150 |
| 7 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $134,130 | +7.4% | 2K |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $130,040 | +4.1% | 76K |
| 9 | Educational Services | $121,890 | -2.4% | 1K |
| 10 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $115,210 | -7.8% | 2K |
| 11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $105,980 | -15.2% | 340 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Veterinarian
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Veterinarian roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan State University | $140,000 | 5 |
| 2 | Iowa State University Of Science And Technology | $145,683 | 4 |
| 3 | University Of California Davis | $88,850 | 4 |
| 4 | University Of Wisconsin System | $110,187 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,777 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $100,106 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,944 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $157,029 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $204,956 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a veterinarian in the US?
- The median Veterinarian salary in the United States is $124,944 per year. This means half of veterinarians earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for veterinarians?
- The salary range for veterinarians in the US typically falls between $72,338 and $204,956 annually. This wide range reflects the diverse roles and experience levels within the profession.
Which state pays veterinarians the most?
- California stands out as the top-paying state for veterinarians, with an average annual salary of $163,920. This is considerably higher than the national median.
How many veterinarians are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 83,500 veterinarians employed across the United States. This number indicates a substantial workforce dedicated to animal care.