Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Veterinarian

Find Schools Near

What Do Veterinarian Do?

Occupation Description Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian

  • Direct the overall operations of animal hospitals, clinics, or mobile services to farms.
  • Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
  • Attend lectures, conferences, or continuing education courses.
  • Euthanize animals.
  • Advise animal owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, general care, medical conditions, or treatment options.
  • Provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in a particular species, such as horses or exotic birds.

Veterinarian Skills

When polled, Veterinarians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Types of Veterinarian Jobs

  • Zoo Veterinarian
  • Veterinary Medicine Doctor (DVM)
  • Veterinary Microbiologist
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Veterinary Physiologist

Job Opportunities for Veterinarians

There were about 79,600 jobs for Veterinarian in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 18.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 15,000 new jobs for Veterinarian by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,500 yearly job openings in this field.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Veterinarian are Utah, Nevada, and Wisconsin. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Veterinarian Make?

Veterinarians make between $56,540 and $162,450 a year.

undefined

Veterinarians who work in New Jersey, Maryland, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Veterinarians in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $92,930
Alaska $121,010
Arizona $98,680
Arkansas $82,060
California $121,750
Colorado $92,710
Connecticut $105,380
Delaware $115,640
District of Columbia $103,840
Florida $103,580
Georgia $91,270
Idaho $102,450
Illinois $108,280
Indiana $89,060
Iowa $88,690
Kansas $98,260
Kentucky $86,160
Louisiana $87,200
Maine $89,340
Maryland $117,100
Massachusetts $109,520
Michigan $100,380
Minnesota $95,060
Mississippi $77,790
Missouri $90,580
Montana $79,380
Nebraska $82,040
Nevada $119,590
New Hampshire $106,680
New Jersey $120,700
New Mexico $96,440
New York $117,800
North Carolina $104,540
North Dakota $92,200
Ohio $103,970
Oklahoma $82,950
Oregon $109,450
Pennsylvania $109,580
Rhode Island $105,780
South Carolina $111,100
South Dakota $100,050
Tennessee $93,520
Texas $124,060
Utah $76,980
Vermont $96,350
Virginia $125,360
Washington $93,010
West Virginia $92,510
Wisconsin $90,120
Wyoming $83,420

What Tools do Veterinarians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Veterinarians:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstone

How to Become a Veterinarian

What education or degrees do I need to become a Veterinarian?

undefined

What work experience do I need to become a Veterinarian?

undefined

Where do Veterinarians Work?

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Veterinarians employed by various industries.

undefined

Those thinking about becoming a Veterinarian might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Shelby R. Orozco via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S.