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.
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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.

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.

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?

What work experience do I need to become a Veterinarian?

Where do Veterinarians Work?

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

Related Careers
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.
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